Cruel Conduct at NV Blue Wing Roundup
Photo clip taken from WHE's Blue Wing Roping video. This video demonstrates the inherent cruelty of roundups and proves the need for cameras — in addition to onsite observations — to be present at all aspects of the operation (e.g. on helicopters, at trap sites, in temporary holding...).
The Blue Wing Roundup concluded last week, and it was brutal. 35 horses died in the first two and a half weeks due to extreme heat, catastrophic injuries, or being killed for "preexisting conditions." To make matters worse, video emerged showing two mounted employees of the BLM's roundup contractor, C. D. Warner Livestock LLC (Utah), viciously driving a wild mare to exhaustion then physically harassing and assaulting her to get her to stand and move once more. Advocates UNITED to loudly protest, calling for a halt to the operation and consequences for C.D. Warner Livestock.
The call for a complete halt to the helicopter roundup seemed as though it would be ignored (as usual) as operations continued for days after this incident. Legal action by Wild Horse Education and the release of the appalling video footage to a shocked and outraged public prompted reactions and comments from advocates to news outlets and governmental leaders calling for a stop to roundup activities. The operation concluded August 1 -- a total of 44 horses were killed.
"Halting the Blue Wing Roundup sadly comes too late for many wild horses. Hopefully, their suffering will usher in a future where the cruelty of chasing wild horses and burros with helicopters comes to an end," states Ginger Kathrens
To read the news article on the Blue Wing roundup atrocities CLICK HERE.
The outcomes and actions observed during this roundup highlight the need for our camera lawsuit, which is currently moving through the court system. They also highlight the power of advocates when we come together to let our government know that enough is enough. Please see contact information below to call on BLM for an end to contracts with contractors who abuse wild horses and burros.
Together, we can!
~ The Cloud Team
☎️ ACTION: Call to express your outrage and let BLM leaders know the contractor, CD Warner, should not be employed in the future given their disregard for the welfare of the wild horses and burros -- that BLM is required to protect!
CONTACT:
Tracy Stone Manning/BLM Director
National Office
202-208-3801
Secretary of the Interior
Debb Haaland
Main phone line (202) 208-3100
Animals Rounded Up: 1,665 (of the 1729 planned for removal)
1,305 Wild Horses (536 Stallions, 544 Mares, and 225 Foals)
360 Wild Burros (186 Jacks, 152 Jennies, and 22 Foals)
Animals Shipped: 1,620
1,268 Wild Horses (513 Stallions, 530 Mares, and 225 Foals)
352 Wild Burros (183 Jacks, 147 Jennies, and 22 Foals)
Animals Released: 3
3 Wild Horses (3 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
0 Wild Burros (0 Jacks, 0 Jennies, and 0 Foals)
Deaths: 42 (8 burros/34 horses)
-Sudden / Acute: 9
-Killed: 33
