Xinjiang Herder Speaks Out: Week-Old Foal Dies After Tourist's Drone Chases Horse Herd

As consumer drones have become increasingly common, a growing number of irresponsible incidents involving tourist operators have come to light. According to a report by the Beijing Daily, herder Reyinati Alimujiang from Hejing County, Xinjiang, reached out to journalists to share the story of how a seven-day-old foal on his ranch died after a tourist used a drone to chase his horse herd. The account has drawn widespread attention online.

What Happened: A Late-Night Search Ends in Tragedy

Reyinati Alimujiang recounted that one evening, while he was out looking for his horses, a neighbour called to warn him that a tourist was flying a drone to pursue his herd. He rushed to the scene, only to find the newborn foal collapsed on the ground. Despite caring for the animal through the night, the foal could not be saved — it had died from a ruptured lung caused by the frantic run.

Through the media, Reyinati urged tourists to fly responsibly and refrain from using drones to frighten livestock on the grasslands, warning that a moment's impulse to capture dramatic footage can result in irreversible tragedy.

Regulatory Grey Areas Leave Grasslands Largely Unprotected

China's relevant authorities have issued the Interim Regulations on the Administration of Unmanned Aircraft Flight Operations, which regulate unauthorised or unlicensed drone flights — commonly known as "black flights" (hēi fēi). However, in vast open areas such as grasslands where no specific no-fly zones have been formally designated, the practical enforcement of these rules remains limited. Responsible flying in such areas still depends heavily on individual pilots' self-discipline and ethical awareness.

Industry observers and animal welfare advocates have stressed that drone operators should proactively avoid flying over grazing livestock, particularly near newborn or pregnant animals, which are highly sensitive to sudden noise and fast-moving objects. Low-altitude pursuit can trigger acute stress responses that may prove fatal. The pursuit of striking aerial footage must never come at the cost of others' property or animal welfare.

This incident serves as a stark reminder to all drone users: while enjoying the freedom of flight, operators must carefully consider the potential impact of their actions on people, animals, and the surrounding environment — and fly with responsibility.

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