Reward Offered for Information on Mojave Desert Donkey Shootings

Officials are offering an $18,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the illegal shooting of 42wild burrosin the Mojave Desert. These tragic events have sparked outrage and a call for justice.

Investigation into the Shootings

(CNN)Someone is shooting the Mojave Desert'swild burrosdead, officials say. Now, they're offering $18,000 to whoever helps nab the suspects.

Over the last three months,Bureau of Land Management officialshave found the bodies of 42 donkeys covered in gunshot wounds near the California-Nevada border. They were killed illegally in the Clark Mountain Herd Area.

Legal Protection for Burros

Under theWild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, burros are protected as "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West." As such, they can't be killed, harassed, captured, or branded in 10 Western states controlled by the Department of the Interior or the US Forest Service.

Details of the Crime

Details about the crimes are slim, butBLMofficials told theLos Angeles Timesa few of the burros were killed while drinking water from nearby springs. Many of them were juveniles.

BLMspokeswoman Sarah Webster didn't have updates on the case Monday, but she said investigators haven't identified any suspects yet.

How to Help

Officials urge tipsters to call 800-78CRIME or visit wetip.com to anonymously submit information.

Violating the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act can result in a fine up to $2,000 or up to one year in prison, or both, for each count charged.

Originally posted by CNN