Locals Seek Answers in Suspicious Wild Horse Death

MOUND HOUSE, Nev. (KRNV & MyNews4.com) — The sight of wild horses roaming in Lyon County is a familiar one. However, the recent discovery of a beloved horse's body has left the community seeking answers.

"We run the train up from Carson City on the weekends and on Fridays, and every trip the tourists and the locals alike see the wild horses," said Thomas Gray, vice president of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. "It's the highlight of their trip."

Gray mentioned that over the past four years, one particular horse stood out. "Every spring we come down here to check the tracks out, and we're always looking for him to see if he survived the winter," Gray said. "This winter he did, and we were so happy."

However, that happiness turned to heartbreak after the horse was found dead last week. "It looked like he had been cut and shot," Gray said. "It doesn't look like a normal horse who expired from natural causes."

The horse was last seen around Labor Day, suggesting it may have been dead for weeks. It was found just off Highway 50 near Mound House, close to a neighborhood.

Gray expressed concern about people feeding the horses, which brings them dangerously close to the highway. "They become a danger on the road and a danger to themselves," he said.

Gray and other locals are determined to uncover what happened to prevent future incidents. "It's sad," he said. "All of our employees are just heartbroken to see this horse like this, and they're willing to put up a reward."

Gray urged anyone with information to call Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.

Shortly after speaking with News 4, Gray encountered officials from the Department of Agriculture who were responding to reports of arrows being fired at horses in the area. They discovered a second dead horse with an arrow wound.

News 4 has confirmed that the Department of Agriculture is investigating both deaths. Secret Witness is offering a cash reward of $1,000 for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. Call 322-4900 with any information.

Originally Posted By KRNV & MyNews4.com