Detectives from the Longreach Major and Organised Crime Squad – Rural (MOCS Rural) are appealing for community assistance in relation to the unlawful killing of 41 horses on a property near Longreach last month.
Investigations are ongoing and investigators strongly believe that the offender did not act alone in committing the offences and was aided by other person/s.
Police allege that sometime between Tuesday, August 3 and Wednesday, August 4, unknown persons have entered a property on Cramsie Muttaburra Road and killed the 41 horses, which included geldings; colts; pregnant mares, and mares with foals at foot. The horses died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.
MOCS Rural Northern Area Co-ordinator Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Elliot said anyone with information in relation to the matter should come forward.
“We know there is still information out there and we ask that any member of the community to come forward, no matter how minor they think their information may be.
“This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, it’s absolutely devastating. We’ve received several letters of support as well as the offer of donations to the owner of the horses, in efforts to alleviate the trauma associated with an act of this nature.
“We would like to thank all members of the community who have provided information in relation to the matter”.
A 49-year-old Mount Isa man was charged with one count of injuring animals on August 12. He has since been charged with a further five offences as a result of continued police investigations. The matter is currently before the courts and investigations are continuing.
