The carcasses of three wild horses have been discovered just west of Sundre in Central Alberta, prompting an advocacy organization to offer a reward for information leading to the shooter.

Bob Henderson, a spokesman with the Wild Horses Society of Alberta, said the mustangs, including two foals, were found dead on New Year's Day.

A total of 16 horses have been shot in the same area over the past three years.

Henderson said his group is offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Wild Horses Society of Alberta has been lobbying the government to pass legislation to provide the horses more protection.

"Right now they fall in the gap between wildlife and domestic stock and it's a no-name zone," Henderson said.

"There are regulations that govern the capture of horses and the criminal code governs shooting them, but there is nobody out there enforcing any thing to do with them."