Utah authorities are offering a $30,000 reward for information regarding the shooting of a federally protected wild horse in the Onaki Herd Management Area.
The stallion, identified in the Onaki catalog as Pyrite/Goldie/Glory, was found dead on Nov. 10 about three miles southwest of Simpson Springs in Tulare County, according to the Utah Bureau of Land Management.
Authorities believe based on evidence that the horse was shot the week of Nov. 3 and died from its injuries over the weekend.
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The stallion, identified by the Onaki Catalog as Pyrite/Goldie/Glory, was found shot to death by a member of the public in the Onaki Hard Management Area on November 10th. (Onaki Catalog Foundation/Utah)
A member of the public found the horse, reported the death to authorities, and a formal investigation began after authorities confirmed the horse had been shot.
“We are saddened at this time. Pyrite is an eye-catching young Palomino stallion who was a favorite of many who visited our ranch,” Onaki Catalog wrote on Facebook. “Please help us honor him by sharing your memories and tagging us in his photos. We'd love to share them in our stories.”
The group said it is mindful that the horse's remains and the surrounding area are involved in an active investigation.
“Please respect this and give land management authorities time and space to work,” the Onaki catalog says.
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Pyrite's death is the third wild horse shot at Onaki HMA since March 2023.
Pyrite's death in November 2024 will be almost a year and a half after two horses were shot in the same area in March 2023. (Onaki Catalog Foundation/Flyer)
“Harassing, capturing or killing wild horses is illegal and punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine,” said Mike Gates, Bureau of Land Management Western Desert District Manager. I mentioned it when “BLM takes seriously its responsibility to protect these animals and is committed to holding accountable whoever is responsible for this unconscionable act.”
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Multiple agencies are offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Pyrite's death.
The award breakdown is as follows: Onaqui Catalog Foundation ($1,500), Wild Beauty Foundation ($2,500), Bureau of Land Management ($5,000), Red Birds Trust ($5,000), Wild Horse Education ($5,000), Rewilding America Now ($5,000). ) American Wild Horse Conservancy ($6,000).
There is a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Pyrite's death. (Onaki Catalog Foundation/Utah)
Anyone with information about shootings, horse deaths, or suspicious activity in general in the area between Nov. 3 and Nov. 9 should call the Utah Department of Law Enforcement tip line at 800-722-3998. Please contact us.
