Wild horse shot twice, killed on Ochoco National Forest; USFS Law Enforcement, OSP seek tips to help find culprit

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigation is seeking information from the public as they work with Oregon State Police to solve the shooting death of a wild horse on the Ochoco National Forest about a week to 10 days ago, officials said Thursday.

Forest Service LE&I is collaborating with the OSP to investigate the death of the approximately 2-year-old black wild horse that was killed on Forest Road 22 in the vicinity of Walton Lake.

The cause of death was two bullet wounds to the abdomen, officials said.

"The Ochoco National Forest values the Big Summit wild horse herd and is asking the public for any information related to the death of this animal," Ochoco National Forest Public Affairs Officer Kassidy Kern said in a news release.

Under the Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971, any person who maliciously causes the death or harassment of any wild free-roaming horse or burro shall be subject to a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.

To share pertinent information to the investigation, contact the Ochoco National Forest at 541-416-6500.

It's the first such shooting in the area since 2013, officials said.

Learn more about the Big Summit Wild Horse herd by visiting: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ochoco/specialplaces/?cid=fseprd488281