Reward for information on California wild burro killings increased to $36,000

NEEDLES, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is announcing an increased reward of $36,000 for information leading to justice in the shooting and killing of 19 wild burros. The killings happened between Baker, California and Primm, Nevada in August of 2019.

BLM is again offering a $10,000 reward in the ongoing investigation. Additional rewards are also being offered by American Wild Horse Conservation ($6,500), The Humane Society of the United States ($2,500), The Platero Project - Seattle ($16,000), and the Animal Defense Council ($1,000).

Investigators have potentially linked the killings to two vehicles and uniquely painted cartridges found at the scene.

“Wild burros are a treasured part of our shared cultural heritage in the American West, and we are committed to finding and prosecuting those responsible for this senseless crime,” said BLM Wild Horse and Burro Division Chief Holle Waddell. “I am grateful to the generous organizations that have offered rewards for information leading to justice for these burros. I encourage anyone with information about these crimes to come forward.”

“These innocent burros were victims of a senseless act of violence. The perpetrators of these federal crimes must be brought to justice,” said Suzanne Roy, executive director of American Wild Horse Conservation. “We’re pleased to join the BLM and our colleagues in the animal welfare community to increase this reward fund and urge anyone with information to come forward so that these cruel acts do not go unpunished."

"Whoever committed this monstrous crime has shown such disregard for life as to be a threat not only to these sweet animals, but our society at large,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. “Together with the BLM and other organizations we demand justice for these innocent wild burros. Anyone with information about who committed this crime must call the hotline immediately so that our justice system may work to hold the perpetrators accountable.” 
"The Person or persons who committed this senseless act of animal cruelty should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law, and receive the maximum jail time and fine under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. They should also be required to take a class about animal cruelty and perform community service at a wild burro sanctuary or wild burro protection organization," said Carmine Cardamone, director of the Tucson-based Animal Defense Council.

BLM law enforcement identified two vehicles of interest 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. Video surveillance captured both vehicles traveling together and last seen in Primm, Nev., on August 13, 2019, at approximately 06:32 a.m., in the parking lot of Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino. Actual images of both vehicles and the crime scene are below.

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. The Act protects wild, free-roaming horses and burros from capture, branding, harassment, or death; and considers them an integral part of the natural system of public lands managed by BLM.