40 horses shot dead in shocking attack near Longreach

Police have this afternoon discovered the bodies of more horses killed in a ‘horrendous’ mass shooting on a Central Queensland station. Warning: Distressing images

Police have discovered the bodies of more horses killed in a “horrendous” mass shooting on a property in regional Queensland.

Thirty-five horses – including pregnant mares and foals – were initially found with multiple gunshot wounds on a property 60km north of Longreach on Thursday afternoon.

Detective Sergeant Allan Cooke said officers this afternoon had found a further four horses that had been slaughtered on Yanburra Station in what he described as “confronting and devastating scenes”.

Police are investigating the brutal shooting of horses near Longreach. Picture: Queensland Police

The elderly property owner, who has not been at home for some time because he is in hospital, was reportedly shattered to learn what had happened.

“When we got there at 4pm yesterday you could see from the road all the carcasses lying in the paddock,” Det Sgt Cook said.

Det Sgt Cook said among the dead were stillborn foals and mares with their foals still at foot.

“A lot of these animals haven’t died instantly,” he said.

“I’ve been a copper for 30 years and it’s certainly one of the most horrendous sights I’ve seen.”

Det Sgt Cook said it was devastating to the community who fought tirelessly during the drought to keep their animals alive.

Police are combing Yanburra station for more injured or deceased horses. Picture: Queensland Police

At this stage, police believe the horses were shot on the property off Cramsie Muttaburra Rd between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Police are still investigating if the shootings were random or targeted but said they were “definitely intentional”.

Longreach Regional Council mayor Tony Rayner said the community was shocked and saddened by the shootings.

“It was every distressing to hear of the incident and I think the general community are very upset,” he said.

“Longreach and Western Queensland is an extensive livestock area and we love our animals and to hear of an incident is very distressing.

“Everyone is concerned about the incident and hoping that the Queensland Police are able to resolve it quickly.”

Det Sgt Cook said police were working with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries other partner agencies to help solve the horrendous crime and urged anyone with information to come forward.

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

Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity on this road over the past few days should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.