Springerville – Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Law Enforcement investigators are looking into a series of horse deaths in the vicinity of the Heber Wild Horse Territory. Investigators confirmed that one horse was found deceased Friday, April 19, 2019.
Forest Service personnel were dispatched to the scene as well as a contracted necropsy expert. Three shell casings were recovered from the location.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) Law Enforcement investigators have found that since Oct, 2018 there have been 19 documented cases of deceased horses on the ASNFs. Of the deceased horses, 11 have evidence of gunshot wounds, 6 were severely decomposed and the cause of death remains undetermined, 1 died after getting stuck in a cattle-guard, and 1 died of blunt force trauma usually associated with a motor vehicle collision.
The ASNF Law Enforcement investigators are collaborating with the Navajo County and Coconino County Sheriff’s Offices.
If the public encounters an injured or deceased horse they are urged to contact the Black Mesa Ranger District at 928-535-7300 to report it immediately. The public is asked to pass along all tips to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 1-800-78CRIME.