Mysterious ostrich massacre sweeps Mojave Desert as politicians flock targeted

An ostrich owner is demanding justice after four of his beloved birds have been shot dead on his Mojave Desert ranch over the last few months.Two of local politician Mike Matson’s pet ostriches died instantly when they were shot on his property in Newberry Springs in June, where .22-caliber rounds were apparently fired through a fence, according to the Los Angeles Times.A third ostrich, wounded in the same shooting, made it about 40 feet before collapsing and dying from blood loss.Matson’s wife, Arcelia, discovered the dead bird.It wasn’t the first time Matson had found one of his ostriches shot.

Another bird, Pebbles, was found dead months earlier after she laid a nest of eggs. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating both shootings, but no arrests have been made, the LA Times reported.A video on Facebook from the Newberry Springs Community Alliance shows Arcelia escorting a sheriff deputy in June to the bodies of two ostriches that were shot dead.On his fence Matson now has a banner: “Reward — $1,000,” it read in boldface capital letters, “for the arrest of the a— that shot my ostriches!”Matson, is an elected local politician and longtime animal breeder who moved to Newberry Springs about nine years ago to raise ostriches and other exotic animals, selling chicks and eggs.The small unincorporated desert community sits about 20 miles east of Barstow at the foot of a volcanic mountain range.

California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story He was elected as vice president of the Newberry Springs Community Services District, a five-member board responsible for services including the volunteer fire department, parks and recreation and street lighting in 2022.

Matson told the Times that the community has struggled with bl...