Reno Gazette-Journal from Reno, Nevada • Page 3

Reno Gazette-Journal Thursday, December 31, 1998 3A Calls our in to express concern over horse killings By Frank Mullen Jr. RKNOGAZt HE-JOURNAL People from all over the nation and the world are calling northern Nevada to register concern, sympathy or interest in the slayings of 34 wild horses east of Reno. "The phone hasbeen on Julie Lee, executive director of the Virginia City Chamber of Commerce. "I have voice mail and by the time I (listen to) four or five messages, there are five more. My general work is going to have to be put on ey." she said.

"I'll be sending them pledge cards." She said residents should beware of anyone who wants to collect checks or cash for wild or cstray horses. "Make sure it's legitimate," she said. Karl Maria Rcsch, a German vi-deographer based in San Francisco, will be in Reno today todoa piece on the mustang killings. "There is a great interest in the American West in Germany," he said. "Wild horses are a symbol of the Wild West.

I see this as the urban language newspaper and TV and radio reporters from Las Vegas and California. "1 fielded 87 calls (by early Wednesday afternoon)," said Dawn Lappin, director of Wild Horse Organized Assistance. "I've got 30 calls to return that the agriculture people referred to me and 1 2 more that just came in." She said people wanted to register their concern and many offered reward money in addition to the $25,000 offered by Secret Witness. "I don't want to handle any mon (West) in conflict with what the West used to be." Specialists also offered their services. A visiting forensic psychologist is working with investigators and a local animal communicator interviewed horse survivors on Wednesday.

"I got information from them about what happened," said Terri Jay Colthrop. an animal communications specialist who said she can tclepathically "talk" to animals. "I turned over a description of a vehicle and of a person who did this." Experts suspect killers may have sadistic personalities This time slayings upset everyone in local community A- At, JUy By Frank Mullen Jr. RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL Attitudes about mustangs are changing, according to local wild horse advocates. "In the past, when a horse was killed, it was hard to get law enforcement out there," said Dawn Lappin, a member of Wild Horse Organized Assistance in Reno.

"I've dealt with three shootings in the past five years, and it was hard to get anyone to care. But this has upset everybody the police, the public." The brutal nature of the killings has galvanized the community, said Lydia Hammack, president of the Virginia Range Wildlife Protection Association in Nevada. "There's just total outrage," Hammack said. "These animals are magnificent animals, and I really can't understand how somebody can do this." There are more than 20,000 free-roaming horses and burros in Nevada. Federal law shields mustangs on federal land, but free-roaming horses on private or state land have no such protection.

In 1987 and 1988, between 500 and 600 wild horses were killed in She said she communicates with animals through receiving visual images, smells, tastes and emotions. Wild horse advocates who know Colthropsaidshedefinitely can connect with horses. They said she's done remarkable therapy with disabled children, but said "telepathy" has yet to be documented. Colthrop said the mustangs who witnessed the killings are spooked and confused. She comforted them, she said, and tried to explain: "I just kept telling them, bad man here.

Bad, bad man." central Nevada. Those slayings. usually blamed on unidentified ranchers eliminating animals who were in competition with cattle, were never solved. In 1989, five men were indicted for killing 43 horses and burros in rural Nevada but those charges were later dismissed. Records show suspects in wild horse killings are rarely charged and even if brought to trail are not convicted.

"In 1990 or so, 40 horses were found shot on BLM land near Carson City," Lappin said. "No one was ever charged in that one cither. But those horses were just plain shot, not like this case." In the Storey County killings, the animals were repeatedly wounded and some were maimed. "It was wanton cruelty, senseless destruction" Lappin said. "People realize that it could just have easily have been a hiker who got in the way of a stray bullet.

The good-old-boy attitude is changing." She noted the Cattleman's Association contributed to the reward fund and that investigators are treating the case as a felony. "The community is saying that none of us will put up with this anymore," she said. some winter I "R-eddie Roost, we re serving it on ice. AnJ we re not talking drinks. Come in for dinner and receive a coupon for ice skating at our rink.

Its great family food and great family fun. Gil us at 626-6000 for more information. Some restrictions apply, call for details. i WW "KEY" unflNextto to Marilyn NewlonReno Gazelle-Journal FROM TWO DIFFERENT GUNS: A Storey County deputy displays some of the shells found near where some of the wild horses were killed. i PON'T mi t- i hold." Since new of the killings was reported three days ago, the chamber had more than 50 calls from people across Nevada and California, Lee said.

State agriculture officials and wild horse groups received more than 150 calls. Hundreds of people are offering thcirtimeormoneytohclpcatchthe horse killers. Media outlets working on the story include USA Today, Newsweek magazine, the BBC in London, a U.S.-based German television reporter, a Japanese English- "To think of 30 horses killed in this way, to keep killing while the horses are suffering, you lose the ability to connect with a person who can do that," Thienhaus said. "It is not just that it's someone who doesn't think about hurting an animal, it's an even bigger defect someone who doesn't respond to the animals' communication of pain." This apathy is an advanced loss of the human ability to feel compassion, he said. He said such a person is probably predisposed to cruelty and something in his background probably brought the sadism to the surface.

Investigators speculate the shooter may have a hatred for horses. "That could be part of it, but that can't be the whole story," Thienhaus said. "This is someone who takes pleasure in the pain of other creatures." Serial killers, such as Jeffery Dahmer, who killed and cannibalized his victims, began their careers by torturing and killing animals. Sadists usually see little difference in cruelty to animals or humans. He said a child who shares three main characteristics bed wetting, fire-starting and cruelty to animals may become a sociopath later.

Such a person, empty of compassion, may never be "cured," Thienhaus said. "You can incarcerate them, watch them, but this isn't a case of bad parenting. In psychology there is increasing emphasis that such wanton cruelty rests in the genes." with the Reno Police Department for months to plan for the heavy crowds. Contact people at each of the casinos are determined, security is posted at all entrances and drinks are served in plastic cups starting in early afternoon. "Police do a great job of planning for this," said Barry Phillips, Club Cal-Neva marketing director.

"We always have heightened security for a large event like this. But this crowd likes to have fun." Club Cal-Neva installed a $350,000 video sign to count down kling lights and some of its best food, check out the thoroughly modern Cafe Soleil (4796 Caughlin Pkwy, 828-6444) for chef Curtis Lincoln's creative contemporary cooking. Far from downtown, it's in an area few visitorsever see. Ted Thomaidis OUTDOORS If you'd like to take a break from gambling and get some oxygen in your lungs, or if you'd like to get a jump on your New Year's resolutions, then here are a few options for outdoor activities this weekend. Just remember to bring extra food, water and clothes when you go.

Full moon ski tour. Diamond Peak Cross Country Snowshoe Center hosts a full-moon ski tour on Jan. 1. Meet at 7 p.m. for a short guided tour to Knock Your Socks Off Rock and a panoramic view of Lake Tahoe.

The tour is free, and dogs are welcome. Ski or snowshoe rentals are $5. Diamond Peak Cross Country Snowshoe Center is about four miles west of Mount Rose summit on Highway 431, on the left-hand (southeast) side of the road. Details: 742-7957, 832-1 177. New Year's Day Hike.

Sierra Reno Gazette-Journal The Reno Gazette-Journal ISSN 0754-1 41 5). a Gannett Newspaper, is published by Reno Newspapers. P.O. Box 22XX). Reno.

Nevada 89520 (955 Kuenzli). Periodicals postage is paid at Reno. Nevada. Postmaster: Please send address changes to the Reno Gazette-Journal. P.O.

Box 220IX). Reno. Nevada 89520. How to reach us: In Person 955 Kuenzli Reno Mon. Fri.

8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Vol. By Frank Mullen Jr. RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL What kind of person could torture and kill horses while the screams of gut-shot mustangs echoed all around? "It suggests a sadistic personality," said Olc Thcinhaus, chairman of the Psychology Department at the University of Nevada, Reno.

"We can't brush this case off as a misguided way of wiling away an afternoon target shooting. It's far beyond that." The 34 horses killed in Storey County on Sunday by unknown persons died in agony. Some were shot multiple times and crawled away on shattered legs. Some were mutilated. One yearling colt, shot three times, was sprayed in the face with a chemical fire extinguisher.

A dying mare gave partial-birth after being shot. Carcasses rested just a few yards from each other. Storey County investigators said Wednesday they have plenty of evidence and leads but no suspects so far. A visiting forensic psychologist offered investigators help Wednesday. She speculated on the personalities and characteristics of the person or persons involved.

Such information, based on the way the horses were killed, may help provide a picture of those responsible. Her profile of the suspect was unavailable Wednesday night, but Thienhaus offered a glimpse at the mind of a horse torturer. Violence From page 1A Gurrola of Cottonwood, Calif. Walnut Creek resident Sue, who said she nevergives her last name to strangers, came to Reno to gamble and escape family members. "Oh no, I don't think so," she said of possible rioting.

"(Hot August Nights) draws so many people and a different kind of crowd. It didn't even cross my mind." Downtown casinos work closely DINING While downtown Reno is sure to be a hotspot of activity all weekend long, there is more to fine dining in Reno than what the casinos have to offer. For a taste of hat the locals eat, hop in a cab and take the first street out of downtown. Many of the area's best independent restaurants will be going all out over the weekend. For a tour of a group of them, take a short hop south on Virginia Street to Wells.

In that neighborhood you'll find Midtowne Market, a shiny new industrial-chic eatery and watering hole at 1 2 1 Vesta (323-77 1 1 that's the perfect place for a drink before going to dinner at Rapscallion right around the corner on Wells 1 55 5 S. Wells, 323-1 2 1 1 After 20 years, the Rap is still one of Reno's most contemporary restaurants with a loyal customer base. Two of Reno's best out-of-the-way international dives are close to downtown. Pho777(201 E. 2nd St.

in the Mizpah hotel next to Har-rah's) serves some of the city's best Vietnamese food, and Beto's(575 W. 5th, west "of downtown, 324-0632) serves authentic Mexican food. Don't miss the spicy pork. For the best view of Reno's spar- Citifare offers free rides for holiday revelers Revelers can get free rides on Citifare tonight from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

on all routes. On routes that usually end service at 9 p.m., Citifare will provide service at hourly intervals with a few exceptions. Schedules of extended services are posted at CitiCenter, CitiStation and Meadowood Mall. They're also available by calling 348-RIDE. REMSA and Sierra West Bank are sponsoring the free rides this year, which is also endorsed by the Safe Community Partnership, the Nevada Highway Patrol, Washoe County Sheriffs Department and the Reno and Sparks police departments.

the seconds to 1999. "It is a huge night for all of downtown," Phillips said. "It gets just jammed packed outside." Crowds usually spend the night indoors gambling, then spill onto the streets about 1 1:30 p.m. By 15 minutes after midnight, the streets empty back into the casinos. In addition to outside festivities, many casinos plan events to keep people inside near slot machines.

Reporter Dosia Blackerby contributed to this story. 3 Club guides will lead a hike to Hungry Ridge north of Reno on Jan. 1 The idea is to put overindulgence behind and start the New Year with vigor. Details: 324-0558 or323-4835. Ice skating.

Enjoy a day of picturesque fun with the family at Reno's Rink by the River. The rink overlooks the river at Idlewild Park near downtown. The rink is open forpublicskatingevery day through the weekend, but hours vary. Call for details and prices, 334-2262. Pricier but more panoramic skating is also available at two rinks in Squaw Valley.

Details: (530) 583-6955. Backcountry skiing: The Sierra Club leads basic backcountry skiing trip Jan. 3 in Tahoe Meadows, one mile west of the Mount Rose summit of Highway 431. Details: 849-2103. Carson Pass Ski Tour: Great views and super skiing will be guaranteed on a five-hour tour to Lake Winnemucca and points beyond Jan.

3. Meet at 10 a.m. at the parking lot area at Carson Pass on Highway 88. Brings skis, lunch and clothing for variable weather. Details: (530) 694-2248.

Brian Be flort 'MAKE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS. KEEP MEM I TechnoGym is the Utilizing Biofeedback, the TechnoGym System is the only intelligent computerized system in Reno that keeps wellness you in your 17-No. 313 Questions? If you have a question about the accuracy of a news story, please call the city editor at 788-6397. News tip? Call the city editor at 788-6397 or other departments listed below: Capitol Bureau 882-3553 Lifestyle 788-6338 CarsonDouglas Bureau 885-5560 Photography 788-6355 proper training zone while monitoring and adjusting your workload too. You get a hassle-free, customized, full-body workout using your TechnoGym 'SmartKey'.

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