Authorities Seek Public Assistance After Discovery of Horse Carcasses in Arizona Forest
Authorities from Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are urging the public to assist in an investigation following the grim discovery of nine horse carcasses on the Black Mesa Ranger District, based in Heber-Overgaard.
The forest officials have reported that the deceased horses “showed evidence of bullet wounds, indicating they were shot.”
Following the discovery, necropsies were performed on the animals, and the carcasses have since been buried, according to officials.
In an effort to find those responsible, a reward of $5,000 has been offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
Individuals with any pertinent information are encouraged to contact the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.
The wild horse population in the Heber area holds federal protection against sale or slaughter, marking this herd as unique in Arizona with a designated territory on national forest land.
This incident is not isolated, as there was a similar case in October 2022 when at least 30 horses were found shot dead in the Apache-Sitgreaves area.
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