Reward Increased to $7,500 for Information on Shooting of Three Burros in Arizona

The Humane Society of the United States, along with the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust, has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible for the death of three wild burros near Lake Pleasant, Arizona. This reward, combined with a $2,500 offer from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, brings the total to $7,500.

The Case

According to officials, three wild burros were intentionally shot and killed in the Morgan City Wash, just south of the Lake Pleasant Herd Management Area. The Bureau of Land Management’s investigation revealed that one burro was shot in the stomach, while the other two were shot in the head.

The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 protects burros from harassment or killing. If caught, the shooter faces up to a year in prison and a $2,000 fine.

The Bureau of Land Management is currently accepting public comments on an Environmental Assessment for a humane PZP fertility control pilot research program for wild burros in Arizona, which will be undertaken in conjunction with The HSUS.

“Arizonans care deeply about our wild inhabitants and deplore any cruelty against them. We know the best way to manage burro populations is with humane methods such as PZP, not violence,” said Kellye Pinkleton, Arizona state director for The HSUS.

The Investigators

The Bureau of Land Management is investigating the case. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the BLM at 800-637-9152. Calls are confidential.

Resources

The HSUS’s Wild Horse and Burro Program works to promote and advocate for the humane and effective management of wild horses and burros on federal lands. The HSUS and the Trust work with state and federal wildlife agencies to offer rewards of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspected poachers. Other services include assistance with internet wildlife trafficking investigations, donation of robotic decoys and forensic equipment, funds to support wildlife K-9 programs, outreach to prosecutors to encourage vigorous prosecution of poachers, and legislative work to strengthen penalties for poaching.

Originally posted by The Humane Society