Court Allows BLM to Eradicate Colorado's Historic West Douglas Wild Horse Herd

Federal Judge Christopher R. Cooper has denied a preliminary injunction aimed at stopping the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from removing the entire West Douglas wild horse herd. The BLM plans to begin a helicopter roundup to remove these wild horses, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the herd.

The lawsuit, filed by The Cloud Foundation (TCF), Wild Horse Freedom Federation (WHFF), The Colorado Wild Horse and Burro Coalition (CWHBC), Dr. Don Moore, Toni Moore, and Barb Flores, sought to protect this herd and the neighboring Piceance East Douglas herd. Toni Moore expressed disappointment, stating, "The courts did not view the loss of an entire herd of wild horses as 'irreparable harm.'"

Linda Hanick, a TCF Board member, emphasized the genetic importance of the West Douglas herd, noting that their removal would erase a distinct set of genetics separate from nearby East Douglas horses. "This roundup disregards the importance of the historic recorded documentation of these horses since September 1776," she stated.

Ginger Kathrens, Executive Director of TCF, expressed her disappointment, highlighting the unfairness of removing wild horse families while livestock remain. "We continue to fight for those wild herds that remain!" she declared.

Barb Flores, a plaintiff in the case, pointed out that the rangeland impact of livestock in West Douglas is significantly greater than that of wild horses. "While cattle are moved from pasture to pasture, wild horses migrate throughout the herd area on their own," she explained.

Flores also criticized the BLM's population estimates, which do not consider mortality rates. "Research shows that foal mortality is often 50%, and in many herd areas, it is even higher," she noted.

Linda Hanick added concerns about the cruelty of the helicopter contractor chosen for the roundup, recalling a 2010 roundup where 12% of the horses were killed. "We will hope for the best and attempt to record what happens this time around if granted adequate access," she said.

Carol Walker, Director of Field Operations for WHFF, expressed determination to continue fighting against the mismanagement of wild horse herds. "Our voices count, and are the only hope they have," she stated.

R.T. Fitch, President of Wild Horse Freedom Federation, criticized the decision, stating, "Once again American taxpayers have been betrayed by big government, big agriculture, and big business; it is shameful."

Ginger Kathrens concluded with a somber reflection on the fate of the wild horse families, calling them "innocent victims of greed and power."

Originally Posted By The Cloud Foundation