Roundup Report: Swasey Wild Horse Roundup

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) commenced a wild horse roundup on July 20, 2024, in the Swasey Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA), covering over 134,000 acres of federal and public land in Utah. The operation aimed to capture 166 horses, removing 154 and returning 20. Of the returned horses, ten were to receive fertility control treatments. The BLM's goal was to adjust the horse population to their unscientific appropriate management level (AML) of 60-100 horses. The current estimated population is 287, and the targeted removal would result in a 46% herd reduction.

Post Roundup Summary

Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024

This roundup was conducted during high summer heat, raising concerns about the welfare of the horses. The roundup captured 23 more horses than the BLM’s original target. To date, none of the projected horses have been returned or treated with fertility control.

Contractor: Cattoor Livestock Roundup, Inc. Paid $196,073.

Short term holding (STH): Axtell Off-Range Wild Horse Facility

Final totals^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 189—over BLM target.
  • 157 Wild Horses (57 Stallions, 99 Mares, and 33 Foals)
• Shipped: 188—over BLM target.
  • 188 Wild Horses (57 Stallions, 98 Mares, and 33 Foals)

Herd reduction: 66% ^{*According to BLM's estimated population}

1 Death.^{*According to BLM report}

AWHC is on the ground—read our reports below

July 25, 2024: Final day of gather.

Weather: Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 76°- 91°F when operations concluded just before 12:30 p.m.

Daily totals^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 32 (7 Stallions, 20 Mares, and 5 Foals)
• Shipped: 49 (14 Stallions, 29 Mares, and 6 Foals)

One death.

• Mare was euthanized for an eye abnormality. The mare was missing her left eye.

July 24, 2024

Weather: Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 81°- 83°F when operations concluded just before 9:00 a.m.

Daily totals^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 12 (5 Stallions, 6 Mares, and 1 Foals)
• Shipped: 31 (12 Stallions, 13 Mares, and 6 Foals)

July 23, 2024

Weather: The weather was sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 73°- 96°F when operations concluded just before 2:00 p.m. Heat exceeded the BLM welfare standard (95°F)^{*w/o approval}.

Summary: Operations are expected to last another day or two. Observers noted the BLM and contractor were doing better pushing horses at a slower pace and allowing for good observation.

Daily totals^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 60 (21 Stallions, 29 Mares, and 10 Foals)
• Shipped: 37 (11 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 5 Foals)

Horses being herded into trap.

July 22, 2024

Weather: Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 87°- 92°F when operations concluded just before 10:30 a.m. Heat nearly violating BLM welfare standards (95°F).

Daily totals^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 7 (4 Stallions, 2 Mares, and 1 Foals)
• Shipped: 35 (10 Stallions, 14 Mares, and 11 Foals)

July 21, 2024

Weather: Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 69°- 97°F when operations concluded just before 12 p.m. Heat exceeded the BLM welfare standard (95°F)^{*w/o approval}.

Daily totals^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 42 (10 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 11 Foals)
• Shipped: 36 (10 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 5 Foals)

July 20, 2024^{*According to BLM report}

Weather: Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 73°- 94°F when operations concluded just before 11 a.m. Heat nearly violating BLM welfare standards.

Total captured today: 36 (10 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 5 Foals)

Last updated July, 2024