The US Forest Service is investigating the rash of horse killings in Northern Arizona.

There has been over 50 horses killed since 2018. Last week, 14 horses were discovered shot and killed near Alpine, Arizona.

Wild horses have federal protection. The Salt River horses are an established wild herd. The horses near Alpine, even though they do not have an owner, have not been recognized by the federal government as “wild.” The horses are considered “unauthorized livestock” and have no federal protection.

Dozens of horses have reportedly been killed near Heber, Arizona, about two hours from Alpine. A handful of others were killed near Alpine in January.

For locals, finding the dead horses has been absolutely horrific. The horses are being shot to the heart and to the face, to the neck, and some are horses still alive, just walking around with bullets.

Local horse advocates are working to overturn the government decision not to deem all wild horses under federal protection. They have been cataloging the horses as they find their bodies.

There’s a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise awareness and reward for efforts.