The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is investigating the deaths of 19 wild horses at the Wild Horse Inmate Program facility in Cañon City. The horses were found dead or severely ill, leading to euthanasia for some. This tragic event has prompted a thorough investigation by BLM veterinarians and state and federal animal health authorities.
BLM employee discovered the deceased horses in a pen, with others nearby in critical condition. Veterinarians have little hope for their survival, leading to their humane euthanasia. The investigation includes necropsies on three horses and examination of tissue samples at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Colorado State University.
There is no immediate timeline for the completion of these tests. Additionally, tests are being conducted on water and hay samples. As a precaution, other horses and burros at the Cañon City facility are being fed hay from a different source.
"We are working with a veterinarian to determine the cause of the illness and prevent any potential spread to other wild horses at the facility," stated Fran Ackley, leader of the BLM's Colorado Wild Horse and Burro Program.
The WHIP facility offers wild horses for adoption at the East Cañon Correctional Complex two Fridays each month. The program has facilitated the adoption of over 1,000 wild horses and burros, with fees ranging from $125 for untrained animals to $1,025 for saddle-trained mustangs.
Since its inception in 1986, more than 3,000 inmates have participated in the program, training 5,000 horses taken from the rangelands to help manage the health of wild herds.
Originally posted by The Denver Post.