BLM offers $10,000 reward, update in burro shooting case

/ In The News, News

Photo taken at RTF’s San Luis Obispo, Calif., satellite sanctuary by Kaitlyn Toay.

The Bureau of Land Management is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to successful prosecution of the person or persons responsible the 2019 fatal shooting of 19 wild burros.

The dead burros were found along Interstate 15 between Baker, Calif., and Primm, Nev., on Aug. 13, 2019.

BLM law enforcement now says it has identified two vehicles of interest (see below) and want to speak with the owners of a gray or silver 2008 Toyota extended cab pickup with flared fenders and a brush guard, and a white 2008 Toyota extended cab pickup with a white camper shell, white rims, sunroof, and brush guard, according to a press release from the agency.

Video surveillance captured both vehicles traveling together and last seen in Primm, Nev., on Aug. 13, 2019, at about 6:30 a.m., in the parking lot of Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino.

BLM special agents identified the weapon used to kill the wild burros as a .30-06 caliber rifle, possibly vintage based on the rifling of the projectiles recovered, that could have been manufactured by Browning, Remington, Springfield, U.S. Military Arms, or Winchester. The rifle is chambered for .30-06 Springfield ammunition.

Special agents also believe the person or persons responsible used reloaded ammunition marked with red/orange paint on the bottom of their cartridges.

Anyone with any knowledge of this crime is strongly encouraged to contact the 24-hour WeTip crime reporting system at (909) 987-5005. BLM special agents encourage callers to leave contact information for follow up.

Information leading to the successful prosecution of the person or persons responsible for this crime will receive the reward.

The animals are federally protected under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, which protects wild, free-roaming horses and burros from capture, branding, harassment, or death.