Controversial Wild Horse Gather Concludes with Removal of 167 Horses
A controversial horse roundup conducted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concluded with the removal of 167 horses from the West Douglas Herd Area. This operation, which involved helicopters and bait traps, has sparked significant criticism from wild horse advocacy groups.
The BLM used helicopters and bait traps to capture the animals. Unfortunately, two horses died during the roundup. A stallion fell while being loaded onto a trailer, and another horse stepped on his neck. Additionally, a young foal broke its leg while trying to run away, was eventually captured, and then euthanized.
BLM spokesperson Chris Joyner explained that the BLM must manage wild horse herds to prevent "boom and bust" cycles. In such cycles, the population grows beyond the environment's capacity to provide sufficient food or water, leading to large numbers of animal deaths.
Joyner stated that the BLM has two primary options for population control: roundups or fertility management drugs. He acknowledged that the bureau faces criticism for both methods but emphasized their commitment to maintaining healthy populations.
"We do care deeply about these animals," said Joyner. "Just looking at them running across the mountains really speaks to the American ideals of freedom. It's a very emotional issue for many people."
The herd management practice has faced significant criticism and backlash from advocacy groups across Colorado. The Cloud Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the U.S.'s wild horse population, filed a lawsuit to halt the roundup in the West Douglas Herd Area. Despite losing the lawsuit, the roundup proceeded.
Jaime Wade, a member of the foundation, criticized the use of helicopters to drive horses into corrals, describing it as cruel and unnecessary. The Cloud Foundation advocates for the use of fertility management drugs instead.
Wade argued that the area could sustain the herd and suggested that cattle and ranchers are the ones over-running the area.
"They (wild horses) are not ruining the land. In fact, wild horses have lived there historically. The cattle farms and the cattle that have come in have taken over for a limited amount of money," said Wade.
Joyner mentioned that all 165 horses would be taken to a Cañon City prison, where inmates will train them for adoption. Some animals will be kept in long-term holding facilities, and others may be auctioned off.
Several years ago, a Southern Colorado rancher was caught purchasing horses from BLM auctions and selling them for slaughter in Mexico. Wade noted that this remains a concern.
"Someone could buy a horse for $25 and do whatever they want with them. We don't have horse slaughter here in the U.S., but Mexico is a few states away, and they can ship them down there for next to nothing," said Wade.
Wade has adopted 10 wild mustangs after they were rounded up by the BLM. She also runs the Mustang Ambassador Program (MAP), which teaches children leadership through learning with wild mustangs.
She hopes these horses will be around for future generations.
"I want my kids to be able to go and watch horses run wild, and there is nothing more magical than that. I think every one of us could adhere to that idea," said Wade.
Some horses have already arrived at the prison, with the remainder expected to be delivered on Thursday.
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