Community sickened and saddened by horse massacre in outback Queensland

More than 35 horses in outback Queensland have been massacred at a large rural property in Longreach, leaving community “sickened and saddened” by the tragedy.

The horses, including pregnant mares and foals, were killed from gunshot wounds on a property at Cramsie Muttaburra Road in Longreach between Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

More than 35 horses have been killed at a property in Longreach.

The elderly property owner, who was in hospital at the time of the incident, was devastated by the loss of their horses, according to media reports.

Detectives will be on the scene on Friday to investigate further, including searching for any additional wounded or deceased horses on the 5000 acre property.

Detective Sergeant Allan Cook said incidents of this nature could have a devastating impact on rural communities.

“That is why the Queensland Police Service is working extremely closely with partner agencies to identify the person or people responsible,” he said.

“We are strongly appealing to anyone with information to talk to police immediately.”

Longreach Regional Council mayor Tony Rayner said the community was shocked by the tragedy.

“People are both sickened and saddened by the event that’s occurred and that’s not how we care and love our animals here,” he said.

“We are animal lovers, and it’s a terrible criminal offence that has occurred.

“We’ve never had an incident of this nature before in the region.”

Mr Rayner said the community wanted to see justice.

“The full force of the law needs to be acted on whoever is responsible. Hopefully, we’ll have a result very quickly,” he said.

Jocelyn Garcia is a journalist at the Brisbane Times, covering breaking news and crime.

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