Officials from the U. S. Bureau of Land Management are investigating the apparent shooting deaths of two wild horses in the Newland Reservoir area, near the Nevada state line in northeastern Lassen County.
The BLM is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Members of a BLM crew working on a prescribed fire discovered the remains of the horses on April 3rd in an area about 12 miles southeast of Eagleville.
An initial investigation by BLM law enforcement rangers revealed the horses most likely had been shot. Officials said the animals had been dead for several weeks.
“We take any incidents involving wild horses very seriously, and we are asking anyone with information to contact us,” said Nancy Haug, the BLM’s northern California district manager.
Anyone with information about this crime should contact Kynan Barrios, BLM law enforcement special agent in charge, at (530) 224-2181.
Wild horses and burros are protected by a federal law, the Wild and Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act. The law provides for criminal penalties including fines and incarceration for violations.
