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Wild Mustang/Burro Campaigns


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Yet again, the BLM is turning a blind eye to wild horse and burro abuse

The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released its Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program (CAWP) Assessment of the Blue Wing Complex roundup – and yet again, the agency is turning a blind eye to wild horse and burro abuse. Despite the horrific incident our humane observers captured on video in which a BLM contractor brutally kicked and punched a collapsed wild horse, the BLM gave the operation a CAWP score of “excellent.” This CAWP report clearly flies in the face of the reality of what’s been happening on the ground at wild horse roundups. In addition to the abuse our observers documented, the operation has also resulted in the shocking deaths of 42 animals so far, making it the deadliest roundup of Fiscal Year 2024. The BLM conducted the assessment on July 18th and 19th, approximately a week before the documented abuse took place. However, despite acknowledging the abuse on its Facebook page, the BLM neglected to amend the CAWP report or deploy a second CAWP team to conduct a follow-up assessment. It’s clear that had it not been for the presence of our humane observers at the roundup who were able to document the cruelty this horse was subjected to, the BLM would have never brought this abuse to light. FUEL OUR OBSERVATION FUND That’s why AWHC intends to continue fighting for this horse and all the other horses and burros who are chased by helicopters into traps, separated from all they hold dear -- family and freedom. We pledge to continue serving as the boots on the ground at these inhumane roundups to ensure no incidents of abuse like this are swept under the rug. The summer roundup season is still in full swing and AWHC has observers on the ground right now. Please help us keep them in the field by supporting our work fighting for transparency and accountability at federal roundups.  Thank you, American Wild Horse Conservation ...

This week’s eNews: an update from Capitol Hill on the abuse uncovered at the Blue Wing Complex

The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign: This week’s edition of eNews is full of updates from Capitol Hill, the country’s first wild burro range, and Utah’s off-range holding facilities. Read on to learn more about lawmakers speaking up for wild horses, the Marietta wild burros, and for a look inside the Sutherland and Axtell holding facilities. Members of Congress Speak Out Against Wild Horse Abuse Incident In response to AWHC’s recently released video showing a Bureau of Land Management contractor repeatedly kicking a collapsed wild horse during the Blue Wing Complex helicopter roundup, Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV), Steve Cohen (D-TN), and David Schweikert (R-AZ) have called for increased transparency, scrutiny, and strict adherence to animal welfare standards during roundups. They joined a chorus of organizations and individuals calling for an investigation into the incident, including re-evaluating the relationship with the contractor involved. Click here to read more. Read More Marietta Wild Burro Range The Marietta Burro Range is the nation’s first formally-recognized range managed principally for wild burros. It was designated as such in 1991 in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. In just a few days, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to round up 75% of this historic burro population. Last week, AWHC observers made a trip to survey the conditions of the range and to document the burros in what may be their last week of freedom. Click here to read more and meet the Marietta wild burros! Meet the Burros! Utah Off-Range Holding Facility Tours AWHC’s observer recently attended two tours of Utah’s off-range holding facilities. The first was at the Sutherland off-range corral, which is overcapacity and is home to 1,524 wild horses. The second tour was at the Axtel facility, which holds 1,612 wild horses and 968 burros. Click here to read AWHC’s report from these tours and see photos of the captured wild horses. Read the Reports Onward, Team AWHC ...

RED ALERT: Wild Horse Abuse By Fed’l Contractors Caught On Camera

The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign: Almost two weeks ago, we released graphic footage, taken by our humane observer, that showed a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) contractor kicking and punching a collapsed wild horse during the Blue Wing Complex roundup. In response to this shocking and cruel abuse, we called on our herd of advocates and wild horse allies to sign a petition demanding that the BLM hold these contractors criminally responsible for violating the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. Our goal was to collect 20,000 signatures to show the BLM that this type of abuse cannot be tolerated. However, as of right now we are only half-way to our goal.  Hitting this signature goal is critical to ensuring that these contractors face accountability for their actions against the innocent Blue Wing wild horses. Can you please take a moment to sign our petition so we can bring these contractors to justice? The actions of this contractor is a dark mark on the BLM. And it’s past time for a line to be drawn and decisive action taken. We are pursuing action through the office of the Inspector General by filing an official complaint, but we need your help to keep the pressure on and not let this horse’s horrific story be forgotten. SIGN ON Thank you, Team AWHC -------- Forwarded message ------- From: Team AWHC <contact@americanwildhorsecampaign.org> Date: July 30, 2024 at 5:52 PM CDT Subject: RED ALERT: Wild Horse Abuse By Fed’l Contractors Caught On Camera To: <meredith@luckythreeranch.com> Our humane observers recently documented extreme abuse during the Blue Wing Complex wild horse roundup. Our footage shows contractors repeatedly kicking a collapsed wild horse in the head. The horse is one of over 1,700 wild horses and burros targeted for removal from Nevada’s Blue Wing Complex as part of the BLM’s mass summer roundup campaign. SPEAK UP FOR THE BLUE WING WILD HORSES The ongoing Blue Wing Complex roundup has been conducted under punishing conditions, amidst two prolonged heat waves and poor air quality due to wildfires in the area. An astounding  39 horses have so far died during the roundup. The causes of death include:
  • Traumatic injuries such as broken necks and blunt-force trauma
  • Three animals arriving at the holding corrals dead on the trailer after transport from the roundup site.
  • Non-life-threatening conditions like arthritis and clubbed feet for which the BLM routinely ...

Including wild horse conservation in your legacy planning

The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign: Did you know that August is National Make-A-Will Month? We know this subject can seem daunting … but estate planning is incredibly important! Not only does creating a will give peace of mind and a sense of security to you and your family — but it’s a great way to create a lasting legacy for the causes you care about. Planned gifts like wills and trusts are some of the best ways to help the charities you care about long after your lifetime. Special gifts like these help our amazing team implement the best possible programs to protect wild horses and burros. If you’re curious how you can add a Legacy Gift on behalf of America’s wild horses to your will, check out our info on it here: MAKE A LEGACY GIFT Many American Wild Horse Conservation supporters have already opted to include a Legacy Gift in their will, ensuring that their passion for wild horses will be remembered for many years to come. So, as you contemplate your future planning, please consider weaving the noble cause of protecting wild horses and burros into the fabric of your legacy. By doing so, you can ensure that your impact continues through time, creating a lasting benefit for these majestic animals for generations to come. – American Wild Horse Conservation P.S. Interested in other ways to give? Check out all the different ways you can help wild horses! ...

Roundups Status Update

The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) summer helicopter roundups have officially been underway for a full month. Today, I want to provide an update about these cruel and costly ongoing federal operations in Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming that put our wild herds in danger of injuries or worse, death. In Nevada: Over 1,660 wild horses and burros have been captured so far from the Blue Wing complex, including 247 foals. So far, there have been a staggering 42 deaths due to traumatic causes or euthanasia, often for non-fatal physical abnormalities.  In Utah: Roundups concluded last week in the Swasey Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA). The BLM rounded up nearly 190 wild horses — including over 30 foals. In Wyoming: A grueling 23-day roundup targeting the North Lander Complex, which includes the Conant Creek, Dishpan Butte, Muskrat Basin, and Rock Creek Mountain HMAs, has concluded. In total, 2,577 wild horses were captured — including 471 foals — and 16 wild horses were killed across the Complex. A second federal roundup is scheduled to begin later this month at the White Mountain HMA. Your support has been instrumental in raising awareness and advocating for the humane conservation of America’s iconic wild herds. Thank you for standing with us in our fight to protect wild horses and burros from eradication. Your advocacy never goes unnoticed. Onward,  Suzanne Roy Executive Director ...