GRAPHIC: Horses Killed, Dumped on Bike Trail in Los Angeles County

Published by Katherine Sullivan.
3 min read

(Warning: graphic images)

Update: October 6, 2020

After PETA released photos taken in April of two horses found dead on a Los Angeles County bike trail to the public last month, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office notified us that it is actively investigating. We’ll continue to provide you with updates as they become available.

Originally published on September 30, 2020:

In April 2020, after being alerted that two horses had been found dead on a Los Angeles County bike trail, PETA documented the scene, took photos, and notified law enforcement. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division investigated and then turned the case over to the county’s district attorney. But months later, the DA has yet to file charges or release any findings of the investigation into the gruesome killings.

horses killed San Gabriel Valley Bike Trail
On April 20, two horses were found dead—likely shot and possibly stabbed—on the San Gabriel River Trail near Pico Rivera in Los Angeles County.

Now, after months without any update on the investigation, we’re releasing the photos to the public and calling on the DA to take action.

horses killed San Gabriel Valley Bike Trail
Two horses were apparently taken to a deserted area along Los Angeles County’s San Gabriel River Trail and violently killed. PETA is pushing Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey to act.

Both horses were apparently male. Neither had lip tattoos, which Thoroughbred horses are usually given for purposes of identification. One of them had a green racing leg wrap …

horses killed San Gabriel Valley Bike Trail

… and there were numerous hoof tracks leading to the site. One horse’s throat was slit …

horses killed San Gabriel Valley Bike Trail

… while the other had blood coming from his head and a wound on his rear inner right thigh.

horses killed San Gabriel Valley Bike Trail

Today, on behalf of our 700,000 members and supporters in California, we sent an urgent letter requesting that the DA either file charges against any suspected perpetrators or release all information about this case to the public.

It’s sickening to consider the pain and fear of these horses’ final moments. Officials must be transparent regarding the investigation findings and, if appropriate, throw the book at their killers.

Follow PETA on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest, and click below to take action for horses forced to race and exploited for other entertainment and for food:

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