A major investigation is underway after 35 horses were found shot dead in what police describe as horrific scenes on a property in western Queensland. The animals were discovered on Yanburra station, about 60 kilometres north of Longreach, and included pregnant mares and foals.
Police expect to find more carcasses on the 2,000-hectare property. Detective Sergeant Allan Cook said the horses died from multiple gunshot wounds in a brazen shooting along the side of a major road. 'I've been a police officer for 30-plus years and the scene was chaotic, it was horrendous,' he said.
A neighbour raised the alarm about 4:00pm on Thursday after discovering the horses. They are believed to have been killed between Tuesday and Wednesday. The owner of the property was not home at the time.
RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said it was very uncommon for such a high number of horses to be executed. 'In fact, in all of the time I've been with the RSPCA I don't think I've ever heard numbers of this proportion,' he said.
The joint investigation involves forensic officers, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and council rangers. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Longreach Police Station.
