ADVOCATES ASK CONGRESS TO STOP DANGEROUS KIGER ROUNDUP IN OREGON
Genetic viability threatened at pending Kiger roundup
PORTLAND, Ore. (June 30, 2011) — The Cloud Foundation opposes the Kiger mustang helicopter roundup scheduled to begin Saturday, July 1st for five days outside Burns, Oregon. The herd is famous around the globe for their quality horses with genetic roots to the Spanish Conquistador horses.
A genetically viable herd must have more than 130 horses. Currently there are approximately 130. If the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) removes 85 mustangs as stated in their alleged environmental assessment, then they will wipe out the genetically viability and leave only 50 animals who will be forced to inbreed. The Foundation firmly believes that wild horse herds must remain genetically viable and to decimate the Kiger herd is wrong—especially since there is a thriving natural ecological balance (TNEB) on the range.
“The Kiger herd has strong Spanish ancestry and must be preserved,” explains Ginger Kathrens, Executive Director of The Cloud Foundation, “We need to stop these cruel and unnecessary roundups so alternative wild horse management techniques can be used before it’s too late.”
"The BLM is recklessly going ahead with the Kiger roundup despite a thriving natural ecological balance on the range and public outcry," says Anne Novak, spokesperson for The Foundation. "We need an independent study of BLM wild horse and burro management and fast. The taxpayer-funded program is wiping out the very wild horses and burros they are charged to protect. "
Advocates and members of the public are encouraged to attend the roundup to witness the cruel misuse of taxpayer dollars. According to the law—wild horses and burros are to be federally protected from harassment, injury and death by the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act. The Foundation and members of the public ask Congress to stop the roundups.