Queensland Police are investigating the shooting deaths of more than 35 horses – including foals and pregnant mares – in an horrific incident at Longreach.
Initial investigations by the Longreach Major and Organised Crime Squad – Rural (MOCS Rural) indicate that the horses, who were on a large rural property on Cramsie Muttaburra Road, were killed sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Detectives say the horses included geldings; colts; pregnant mares, and mares with foals at foot, died as a result of “multiple gunshot wounds”.
MOCS Rural Longreach detectives are leading the investigation, with the assistance of local police and partner agencies, and will be back at the scene today to carry out further investigations, including searching for any additional wounded or deceased horses on the 5,000 acre property.
MOCS Rural Longreach OIC Detective Sergeant Allan Cook said incidents of this nature can have a devastating impact on rural communities.
“That is why the Queensland Police Service is working extremely closely with partner agencies to identify the person or people responsible,” Detective Sergeant Cook said.
“We are strongly appealing to anyone with information to talk to police immediately.”
Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity on this road in the past few days to come forward.
