‘Absolutely devastating’: More charges for man accused of horse killings as detectives appeal for information

Neither pregnant mares nor mothers with foals at their feet were spared in the alleged massacre of 41 horses in Western Queensland in August. Now the man accused of the heinous crime has been slapped with more charges.

Christopher John Anderson will make his next court appearance in October in relation to the killing of 41 horses last month.

The man accused of being involved in the killing of 41 horses on a property near Longreach in August has been charged with six offences, including serious animal cruelty.

Christopher John Anderson, 49, appeared in Mount Isa Magistrates Court last month charged with one count of injuring animals.

Police have since charged Anderson with one count each of serious animal cruelty, unlawful possession of weapons, possessing or acquiring restricted items, discharge of a weapon on private land without the owner’s consent, and unlawfully entering farm land.

Investigations into the alleged slaughter continue, and Longreach detectives “strongly believe” Anderson did not act alone when, as police allege, several people trespassed onto a farm on Cramsie Muttaburra Road between Tuesday, August 3 and Wednesday, August 4.

Neither pregnant mares nor mothers with foals at their feet were spared in the massacre; they perished with multiple gunshot wounds alongside geldings and colts.

Afterwards, Detective Sergeant Allan Cook and Longreach mayor Tony Rayner spent three hours burying the dead.

The murdered horses were found on Yanburra Station about 60km north of Longreach.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Elliot, co-ordinator of the rural Major and Organised Crime Squad, said anyone with information should come forward.

“We know there is still information out there and we ask that any member of the community come forward, no matter how minor they think their information may be,” he said.

“This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, it’s absolutely devastating.

“We’ve received several letters of support as well as the offer of donations to the owner of the horses in efforts to alleviate the trauma associated with an act of this nature.

“We would like to thank all members of the community who have provided information in relation to the matter”.

Anderson will appear in Longreach Magistrates Court on October 19, and again at Mount Isa Magistrates Court on November 10.