By Martha Cruz, KVAL13
February 16, 2022
Las Vegas (KSNV) — The Bureau of Land Management ended its wild horse helicopter roundup and removal on Monday, February 14, having captured over 2,000 horses during the process.
The federal operation, held in the Pancake Complex northeast of Tonopah, Nevada, saw 2,054 wild horses removed from public land and released 18 wild mares treated with a population suppression vaccine. Additionally, six studs were also released.
The BLM says that the purpose of the gathering was to reduce the overpopulation of wild horses within the area.
“The gather was crucial to ensuring the health of public lands within the Complex as well as the wild horses in the area, both of which are at risk due to herd overpopulation and exceptional drought conditions,” said Robbie McAboy, Ely District Manager.
On February 8, Congresswoman Dina Titus aims to ban helicopter use for roundups like these by introducing a new bill.
Organizations like The American Wild Horse Campaign continue to advocate against wild horse roundups, voicing their support for the congresswoman following her announcement.
“The BLM continues down a path toward disaster with the mass roundup of America's wild horses and burros. The Pancake roundup is over, but nearly 17,000 more wild horses and burros stand to lose their freedom over the next year.” Said Suzanne Roy, executive director of the AWHC.
“We stand with Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus in calling for an end to brutal and inhumane helicopter roundups and supporting the use of scientifically-recommended fertility control vaccines as the humane and cost-effective option for humane management of America's wild herds."
The group detailed how 26 horses were killed during the roundup in an email release, although the BLM did not confirm the claim.
Recently, a federal judge decided not to rein in the roundup and capture of wild horses in eastern Nevada, pushing back advocates' efforts to stop the wild horse operations.
