Officials Seek Help Finding Burro Killers

Federal law enforcement officers are seeking the public's help with an investigation into the shooting of two wild burros in the Castle Hot Springs area of southern Yavapai County.

A concerned citizen notified federal officers Sunday that two mature burros were found dead west of Castle Hot Springs Road from an apparent shooting. Federal officers believe the crime was committed about 2 p.m. Sunday.

The incident occurred within the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Lake Pleasant Herd Management Area, located northwest of Phoenix in Maricopa County and southern Yavapai County, which is actively managed for wild burros.

"We are gathering evidence and are committed to the protection and management of wild burros and horses; we take this criminal violation seriously," said Rem Hawes, BLM's Hassayampa Field Manager.

Wild burros and horses are protected by the federal Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

People who have any information may call 800-637-9152. All calls are confidential. If convicted, the perpetrator(s) are subject to a fine of up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year, or both, for each violation.

Originally Posted By The Daily Courier