Authorities in Utah are offering a $30,000 reward for information related to the shooting death of a federally protected wild horse on the Onaqui Herd Management Area.
The male horse, identified as Pyrite/Goldie/Glory by the Onaqui Catalogue, was found dead on Nov. 10 about three miles southwest of Simpson Springs in Tooele County, according to the Bureau of Land Management’s Utah Regional Office.
Evidence leads authorities to believe the horse was shot during the week of November 3 and died of his injuries over the weekend.
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A male horse, identified as Pyrite/Goldie/Glory by the Onaqui Catalogue, was found shot and killed in the Onaqui Heard Management Area on 10 Nov. is a member of the community. (Onaqui Catalog Foundation / Utah)
A member of the public found the horse and reported its death to the authorities, which prompted an official investigation to confirm that the horse had been shot.
“At this time, we are saddened. Pyrite was a charming palomino that was a favorite of many who visited the field,” Onaqui Catalog wrote on Facebook. “Please help us honor him by sharing your memories and tagging us in your photos. We’d love to share them on our stories.”
The organization said it must remember that the body of this horse and the surrounding areas are involved in the ongoing investigation.
“Please respect this and give the Bureau of Land Management and Authorities time and space to work,” Onaqui Catalog wrote.
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Pyrite’s death marks the third wild horse shot and killed in the Onaqui HMA since March 2023.
Pyrite’s death in November 2024 comes almost a year and a half after two horses were shot at the same site in March 2023. (Onaqui Foundation Catalog / Flyer)
“Harassing, capturing or killing wild horses is illegal and punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a fine,” said Bureau of Land Management West Desert District Manager Mike Gates when the first two horses were killed last year. “The BLM takes our responsibility to protect these animals seriously and is committed to holding accountable whoever committed this unconscionable act.”
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Multiple agencies have put together a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Pyrite’s death.
The prize is distributed 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) and American Wild Horse Conservation ($6,000).
A $30,000 reward is available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Pyrite’s death. (Onaqui Catalog Foundation / Utah)
Anyone with information related to the shooting in the area since Nov. 3 to Nov. 9, the death of a horse or suspicious activity in general can contact the Utah Law Enforcement tip line at 800-722-3998.
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