42 Wild Burros Shot Dead Along California Freeway in Three Months

In a tragic event that has shocked animal conservationists and the public alike, over 40 wild burros have been found dead along a freeway corridor in Southern California within just three months. Authorities are now offering a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these heinous acts.

According to the San Bernardino Sun, the wild burros, originating from the Clark Mountain Herd Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s Needles field office, were discovered along Interstate 15 between Halloran Springs, California, and Primm, Nevada. Each carcass bore gunshot wounds, with some burros, including juveniles, shot in the neck while others were attacked while drinking water.

Wild burros, alongside wild horses, are protected under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, which prohibits their capture, branding, harassment, or death. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is spearheading the investigation, supported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

William Perry Pendley, BLM’s deputy director for policy and programs, emphasized the importance of these animals to American heritage, stating, “We will pursue every lead until we’ve arrested and prosecuted those responsible for these cruel, savage deaths.”

The BLM has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information. Additional contributions from private organizations include $2,500 from the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), $5,000 from Return to Freedom, and $1,000 from The Cloud Foundation. The Humane Society has further increased the total reward to $50,000.

Suzanne Roy, executive director of the American Wild Horse Conservation, expressed hope that the increased reward will lead to justice, stating, “The persons who shot these innocent and beloved burros deserve to be brought to justice.”

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the WeTip hotline at 800-782-7463 or visit www.wetip.com.

Originally posted by San Luis Obispo Tribune.