Owyhee Complex Roundup: Week 1
The Owyhee Complex Roundup has drawn significant attention due to the harsh treatment of wild horses. These majestic animals are chased by helicopters for miles, often driven into barbed wire fences. The images from the roundup depict horses caught in barbed wire, falling, and others tangled and brutally slamming to the ground. This inhumane treatment is unacceptable, yet the Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues to resist implementing humane practices. Instead, they have hired a livestock industry consultant, Carolyn Stull, to advise on 'humane' standards.
The BLM has contracted Sun J Livestock, Inc. for the Owyhee roundup, where wild horses are being stampeded by helicopters in sub-freezing temperatures. The plan is to capture 847 wild horses, with the roundup scheduled to conclude or pause by December 23.
For more on the Owyhee Complex roundup, visit the Owyhee Complex roundup page.
Field Reports by Laura Leigh of Wild Horse Education
November 28, 2012 - Day 3 of Operation
Today differed from yesterday. By day three, patience is wearing thin. Four horses got tangled in barbed wire as the pilot attempted to push them through a gate onto private property where the trap was set.
November 27, 2012 - Day 2 of Operation
Approximately 116 horses have been removed from the range so far: 41 on Monday and about 75 today, though these numbers are unofficial as no count was provided to public relations for each run. The removal target is 847 horses in total.
The first run saw horses coming in sweaty and slightly steaming. All but the last run showed awareness of pressure, while the last run animals appeared pressured and confused. Loading showed less pressure than observed in the past.
Two injuries were noted: a grey horse with a limp and a young buckskin, which appears to have encountered barbed wire fencing during the last run. Animals need to be driven through gates as the trap is located on private property.
Two horses escaped the trap: a young mare vaulted the panel, and another horse evaded the jute. Neither horse was pursued.
Observation at the temporary holding was practically non-existent. The BLM stated they would post photographs of the injured mare on their site.
For additional information on wild horse education and the Owyhee Complex Roundup, visit Wild Horse Education.