SPARKS, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Agriculture is today investigating two horse deaths in Northern Nevada. One horse, which appeared to have been shot, was found dead yesterday near Moundhouse in Lyon County.
Another horse, which appeared to have been shot with arrows and was near death, was found near the same area. The second horse was euthanized by a state agricultural enforcement officer.
The Department is requesting information about the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The Department is also offering a $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. Citizens should call Secret Witness at 775-322-4900 with any information.
Killing estray livestock is a felony punishable of up to five years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
As Nevada begins the transition from summer to fall, the Department is also reminding citizens to be cautious around all feral and estray horses and not to feed them.
“As more children and families are getting up earlier for school buses and sporting events, we are urging the public to be alert,” said Flint Wright, administrator of the Department’s Animal Industry Division. “This time of year, forage becomes scarce in the highlands and feral and estray horses are more commonly found in populated, urban areas.”
The Department urges citizens to keep an eye out and use caution around all feral and estray horses. Feeding the feral/estray horses encourages the animals to enter urban areas and is illegal.
