A statement by the Forest Service dated 05/02/19, which coincides with the date that a photographer saw a man shooting at the horses, says “Rumors about possible suspects, gossip about motives, and general misinformation quickly spread throughout social media.” Are they trying to downplay the incident?
Let’s look at facts:
- The Heber WHT is composed of, and surrounded by, grazing allotments.
- Ranchers benefit from reductions in wild horse numbers.
- Ranchers have a well-established history of taking wild horses off the range.
That they have a motive for killing wild horses is not an accusation, it’s a reasoned conclusion.
RELATED: Group Criticizes Forest Service for Response to Heber Shootings.