ABC4: Wild Stallion "Pyrite" Shot Illegally at Onaqui
In the wake of the devastating news that beloved Onaqui stallion Pyrite was shot on the range - we appreciate ABC4 and other outlets for covering this story.
WBF is offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to a conviction for this senseless act of violence.
We must continue to work together, and raise our voices for the wild.
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DUGWAY, Utah (ABC4) — A young palomino stallion was shot to death on Sunday in the Onaqui Herd Management Area in central Utah, according to the Wild Beauty Foundation.
Pyrite, also known as Goldie and Glory, was found dead outside of Dugway on Sunday, Nov. 10. The Onaqui Catalogue Foundation, an organization working with Bureau of Land Management investigators, reported on the death Tuesday, adding that it will keep the public informed during the investigation.
“At this time, we are grieving,” the nonprofit posted. “Pyrite was an eye-catching young palomino stallion who was a favorite of many who visited the range.”
The Wild Beauty Foundation donated $2,500 for a reward, offering the money to anyone who provides information that leads to a conviction. @ashleyavis the founder of the organization, said the “stallion was targeted” and killed despite wild horses being federally protected.
“They’re symbols of the iconic American West. They inspire our curiosity and our wonder, and they should be protected. And that’s simply not happening on our western rangelands today,” Avis said.
She said the shooting of Pyrite “is not an isolated incident.”
Last year, two Onaqui stallions were found dead from gunshot wounds near Simpson Springs Mountain Road, just over 20 miles from Dugway. She said the year prior, 16 wild horses were killed.
“This is a pattern of behavior perpetrated by … antiquated thinking and this disinformation that wild horses are the problem with rangeland health,” Avis said. “There’s so much going on in the world, and there are so many distractions, but we need to remember the wild.”