Roundup Report: Triple B Complex

On November 2, 2024, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) launched a helicopter roundup of wild horses in Nevada’s Triple B Complex, which spans the Triple B, Maverick Medicine, and Antelope Valley Herd Management Areas (HMAs) within the Elko and Ely districts. The BLM contracted a private company to reduce the population from 3,335 to a range of 472 to 889 animals—a herd reduction of up to 86%. This target range reaches the BLM’s unscientific Appropriate Management Level (AML).

AWHC is on the ground reporting.

Post-Roundup Summary

Nov 2, 2024- Dec 4, 2024

During the month-long operation, AWHC’s observers documented concerning treatment of wild horses including excessive roping, foals left behind, and chases occurring in very cold weather. The roundup resulted in the deaths of 27 horses. The deaths included bone fractures, poor body conditions, blindnesses, and physical deformities. 

Four horses from the Maverick-Medicine range were euthanized due to "poor body condition." This cause of death raises concerns for the 29 horses returned to the very same  range. Just three months ago, an emergency roundup was  conducted in this area due to lack of forage. 

Contractor: Sampson Livestock LLC.

Short-term holding (STH): Indian Lakes Off-Range Corral

Final totals^{*According to USFS report} 

• Captured: 2,196 (804 Stallions, 881 Mares, and 511 Foals)*
• Shipped: 2,131 (778 Stallions, 842 Mares, and 511 Foals) some text
  • *Two domestic mares returned to owner.

• Treated with Fertility Control (GonaCon): 23 Mares
• Released: 39 (16 Stallions, 23 Mares, and 0 Foals)

‍Herd reduction: 64%^{*Applying BLM’s estimated population}

27 Deaths.^{*According to BLM report} 

• 10 due to “poor body condition.”

December 4, 2024: Weather: 30-50°F^{*According to observer report}

Summary: Final day of roundup. An AWHC observer documented 19 horses returning to the Maverick-Medicine region of the Triple B Complex (watch below). This decision raises concerns, as four horses from this area were euthanized due to "poor body condition," linked to the area's lack of forage. Only three months ago, 109 horses were removed, of which from the same area in an emergency operation for similar reasons. Two were euthanized due to “poor body condition,” and another for water toxicity.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 0
• Shipped: 58 (26 Stallions, 13 Mares, and 19 Foals)

• Treated with Fertility Control (GonaCon): 11 Mares
• Released: 19 (8 Stallions, 11 Mares, and 0 Foals)

1 Death.

• 3-year-old Black stallion euthanized due to physical deformity—club foot (front left).

December 3, 2024:
Weather: 22-28°F ^{*According to BLM report}

Summary: Today’s onsite observer heard a helicopter working behind a hill for some time, suggesting it was managing multiple horses. However, when it briefly emerged, only one horse was visible, and they appeared sweaty. The pilot seemed to abandon the chase, but wranglers moved in and roped the horse. Moments later, the helicopter reappeared, followed by another visibly sweaty horse.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

Captured: 33 (14 Stallions, 13 Mares, and 6 Foals)

Shipped: 38 (0 Stallions, 38 Mares, and 0 Foals)

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December 2, 2024:
Weather: 21-48°F^{*According to BLM report}

Summary: A helicopter and two wranglers pursued two horses, with one appearing to limp. The second horse was eventually roped by another pair of wranglers, who began walking the horse back toward the trap area. Meanwhile, the helicopter  chased a third horse. Despite efforts by two wranglers to rope the horse, they were unsuccessful, prompting the helicopter to resume its pursuit. Ultimately, the chase was abandoned.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

Captured: 32 (4 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 7 Foals)

Shipped: 2 (0 Stallions, 2 Mares,* and 0 Foals)

*Two domestic mares gathered were returned to the owner.

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December 1, 2024: Report coming soon

November 30, 2024:

Weather: 7-32°F per AWHC’s observer. The BLM reported a notably warmer temperature of 21-48°F.

Summary: The trap site was hidden from view except for its wings, which were difficult to see due to the distance. In frigid weather, a helicopter pursued horses from an excessive range. A young horse and a mare struggled to keep pace, showing signs of exhaustion, yet the helicopter continued the chase without sending a wrangler or easing its pursuit.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

Captured: 86 (29 Stallions, 33 Mares, and 24 Foals)

Shipped: 92 (25 Stallions, 40 Mares, and 27 Foals)

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*According to observer report

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November 29, 2024:

Weather: An AWHC observer reported temperatures ranging from -2°F to 28°F.

‍Summary: At the new trap site, only the wings and alley were visible. During a series of dangerously cold runs, several horses were roped, and foals struggled to keep with the group. Several horses escaped the trap jute but were quickly pursued again. An onsite observer noted that one foal was chased and should have been transported by trailer instead. Additionally, trailers appeared to be speeding during the transport to temporary holding.

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Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

Captured: 63 (21 Stallions, 28 Mares, and 14 Foals)

Shipped: 92 (25 Stallions, 30 Mares, and 37 Foals)

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1 Death.^{*According to BLM report}

• 4-year-old Black stallion died suddenly -- ruptured aorta.

November 28, 2024:

Weather: According to AWHC’s observer, the temperature ranged from 1-30 degrees. 

Summary: Today, roundup operations continued in freezing temperatures. Around 11 am, the first run was brought in using two helicopters. There was one small foal who our observer thought to be only a few weeks old. Operations will be moving to a new trapsite tomorrow. 

Total captured: According to the BLM 38 horses were captured today. 

November 27, 2024:

Weather: 12-35°F ^{*According to observer report}

Summary: Today’s public viewpoint of the new trap site was  limited; trap wings, alley, catch pen, and loading was hidden behind trees. An AWHC observer reported that a helicopter pursued horses through a wooded area, causing them to scatter. A wrangler reportedly roped at least one horse. After long chases and close hovering by the helicopter, many horses entered the trap visibly sweaty.

Total captured today: 86 (22 Stallions, 40 Mares, and 24 Foals)^{*According to BLM report}

Below shows AWHC's view of the trap

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November 26, 2024:

Weather: ^{*According to BLM report}

Summary: When observers arrived at the roundup, heavy snow was delaying operations. By 11 a.m., they were notified the roundup would be canceled for the day due to the weather conditions. 

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

Captured: 0

• Shipped: 77 (40 Stallions, 37 Mares, and 0 Foals)

1 Death.

• 15-year-old Bay mare died after fracturing neck.

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November 25, 2024:

Weather: 9-35°F. At a low temperature of 9°F, today’s operations potentially violated the BLM’s welfare standards.^{According to observer report}

Summary: Today’s trap site was partially obscured by terrain, limiting public view. Near the catch pen, there was a small fire that appeared to agitate the horses. The helicopter pursued a small group that included a struggling foal, unable to keep pace. As the horses retreated into the trees, wranglers followed to rope and trap them. 

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 44 (15 Stallions, 18 Mares, and 11 Foals)
• Shipped: 91 (27 Stallions, 37 Mares, and 27 Foals)

4 Deaths.

• 5-year-old Sorrel mare euthanized due to poor body condition.
• 20-year-old Sorrel mare euthanized due to poor body condition.
• 6-year-old Black mare euthanized due to poor body condition.
• 8-year-old Black mare euthanized poor body condition.

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November 24, 2024:

Summary: 26-45°F

Daily total

Captured: 106 (34 Stallions, 48 Mares, and 24 Foals)

Captured: 106 (34 Stallions, 48 Mares, and 24 Foals)

1 Death.

• 15-year-old Bay mare euthanized due to poor body condition.

November 23, 2024:

Summary: No gather operations due to high winds.

‍Daily total

Captured: 0

Shipped: 127 (38 Stallions, 65 Mares, and 24 Foals)

November 22, 2024:

Weather: 26-54°F

Daily total

Captured: 133 (53 Stallions, 49 Mares, and 31 Foals)

Shipped: 135 (65 Stallions, 39 Mares, and 31 Foals)

2 Deaths.

• Sorrel foal died in transportation.
• 3-year-old Grulla stallion euthanized due to physical deformity—WRY nose.

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November 21, 2024:

Weather: 26-51°F^{*According to BLM report}

Summary: 

At today’s roundup, AWHC’s observers documented repeated instances of dangerous and aggressive handling at both the trap site and temporary holding. Under hazardous weather conditions, a helicopter pursued two horses in relentless circles for an hour until two wranglers roped them. A foal was also roped, along with four other horses that ran through the trap’s jute. Seven horses were roped today.

At temporary holding, AWHC’s observer documented one worker slapping a horse in the face with a flag, while another used a rod with a claw-like attachment to poke horses through trailer holes, accompanied by loud shouting. The observer reported overcrowding and stressed horses subjected to what she described as "aggressive, abusive, rough handling." These incidents add to a growing pattern of inhumane practices documented throughout the roundup.

Total captured today: 115 (38 Stallions, 50 Mares, and 27 Foals)^{*According to BLM report}

Employee repeatedly hitting horse in the face with a flag

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Roped Foal

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Lone Palomino chased for miles. AWHC's observer noted They spend so much time and fuel on one horse.”

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November 20, 2024:
‍Weather: 24-38°F ^{*According to BLM report}

Summary: A short roundup, horses ran through the jute fence and escaped. Employees reassembled the faulty fence, captured another group, and relocated the trap. High winds later concluded operations as the helicopter ended pursuit, with a new trap set to take two hours to construct. 

An AWHC observer reported that horses from the first capture were still in a parked trailer miles from the operation, unaccompanied by employees or a veterinarian—a potential welfare violation. At temporary holding, captured horses appeared huddled and frightened.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 20 (8 Stallions, 8 Mares, and 4 Foals)
• Shipped: 62 (13 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 49 Foals)

2 Deaths.^{*According to BLM report}

• 4-year-old Dun mare euthanized due to poor body condition.
• 10-year-old Black mare euthanized due to poor body condition.

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November 19, 2024:

Weather: 24-38°F^{*According to BLM report}

Summary: Along with several previous days, today’s roundup consisted of a lot of excessive pursuits and ropings. An AWHC observer recorded a wrangler aggressively chasing and exhausting a foal. For five minutes, the wrangler repeatedly “fumbled” and failed to lasso the foal, missing each time. Two other horses were able to escape into the trees and the pilot failed to drive them out after ten minutes. Despite their resistance, three wranglers roped and captured both. According to an onsite employee, the pursuit was intense because one of the stallions would influence others to resist capture. Throughout the roundup, the pilot failed to use pressure and release, aggressively and erratically pursuing sweating horses over long distances. Observers have noted a significant increase in both the number of wranglers and the frequency of roping incidents.

At temporary holding, the horses appeared “nervous and scared.” The onsite observer heard a lot of yelling from employees unloading horses. One worker used a long, thin rod to poke the horses through trailer holes and vents while shouting. Aside from aggressive handling, the pens were overcrowded and dangerously constructed.

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Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

Captured: 60 (17 Stallions, 26 Mares, and 17 Foals)

Shipped: 112 (37 Stallions, 75 Mares, and 0 Foals)

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November 18, 2024

Weather: 16°F upon observer arrival. 30-38°F, partly cloudy skies via the BLM report.

Summary: Observers reported a chaotic and distressing roundup, marked by aggressive helicopter pursuits, band separations, and noisy captures. By early afternoon, two helicopters brought in multiple horse bands, some sweating despite cold weather. An AWHC observer noted three foals separated from their bands and later wrangled back; one particularly resistant foal, “a fighter,” required four people to load him onto a trailer. Two stallions were able to evade capture.

From below a huge hill, sounds of banging, whinnying, and screaming echoed from the trap. Another young foal, separated from his family, was pursued by a helicopter and wranglers. Appearing confused and frightened, the foal paused to look toward the trap, seemingly searching for his family. Despite his distressed whinnies, the foal was captured after being roped, as a rider waved a white flag. WHC’s observer remarked, “It was awful to watch him being treated so thoughtlessly.” 

A post-roundup trap tour revealed limited space and hazardous dust. The day was somberly referred to as "Blue Monday" by the observer.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

Captured: 140 (58 Stallions, 50 Mares, and 32 Foals)

Shipped: 120 (56 Stallions, 38 Mares, and 26 Foals)

November 17, 2024

Weather: 22-42°F^{*According to BLM report}

Summary: Placed at the same public viewpoint as yesterday, observers had no trap site visibility. During the roundup, a young horse separated from the band was pushed into the trap, with signs of exhaustion apparent among the group. A particularly resistant stallion, evading the helicopter, was roped by two wranglers. The horse collapsed and did not rise. A veterinarian arrived after 30 minutes, and trucks blocked the area. After 45 minutes, a gunshot signaled the stallion's euthanasia. The incident was notably absent from the BLM's daily report. Observers did not visit temporary holding due to the time frame it took to euthanize a stallion.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

Captured: 125 (48 Stallions, 51 Mares, and 26 Foals)

Shipped: 126 (57 Stallions, 38 Mares, and 31 Foals)

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2 Deaths.^{*According to BLM report}

• 12-year-old Black stallion euthanized due to acute intestinal compromise.
• 3-year-old Black mare euthanized due to blindness.

November 16, 2024

Weather: 22-35°F^{*According to observer report}

Summary: Placed behind a hill, the trap site was completely hidden from public view. Despite limited visibility, an AWHC observer reported use of an electric prod. At temporary holding, horses appeared agitated and overcrowded.

Total captured today: 149 (66 Stallions, 52 Mares, and 31 Foals) ^{*According to BLM report}

1 Death.

• 3-year-old Black stallion was euthanized after fracturing neck.

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‍November 15, 2024

Weather: 17-35°F^{*According to BLM report}

Summary: No operations today.

Daily total: 0^{*According to BLM report}

November 14, 2024: Summary: No roundup operations took place today.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 0
• Shipped: 117 (29 Stallions, 66 Mares, and 22 Foals)
• Released: 2 (2 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)

November 13, 2024: Weather: 9-35°F.^{*According to observer report} The first run was conducted in extreme cold (12°F), posing a major welfare violation. However, the BLM reported warmer temperatures (25-50°F), calling into question  the accuracy and adherence to their Comprehensive Animal Welfare Standards (CAWP).

Summary: Observers at the same viewpoint as yesterday had little to no view of the trap site.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

Captured: 54 (16 Stallions, 22 Mares, and 16 Foals)

Shipped: 128 (57 Stallions, 38 Mares, and 33 Foals)

November 12, 2024: Weather: 25-35°F, wind and light snow.

Summary: Observers could only see horses driven towards the trap; the trap, wings, alley and catch pen were completely covered by terrain. While helicopters pushed horses to the trap, an AWHC observer noted, unable to keep pace, was reportedly roped. Two additional foals were also roped out of sight. By the end of the roundup, it was too dark for observers to view the temporary holding area.

Total captured today: 160 (72 Stallions, 49 Mares, and 39 Foals)^{*According to BLM report}

November 11, 2024: Weather: 25-51°F, sunny skies and wind.

Summary: No fly day—conditions were too windy for helicopters.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 0
• Shipped: 44 (28 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 16 Foals)

2 Deaths.

• 18-year-old Sorrel stallion euthanized due to club foot -- both hind legs.
• 20+ year-old Bay stallion euthanized due to poor body condition -- severe tooth loss.

November 10, 2024: Weather: 25-51°F, sunny skies and wind.

Summary: AWHC’s onsite observer documented six of the fifty stallions and twelve mares treated with fertility control were released. 

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 52 (15 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 16 Foals)
• Shipped: 126 (17 Stallions, 74 Mares, and 35 Foals)
• Released: 18 (6 Stallions, 12 Mares, and 0 Foals)

4 Deaths. 

• 10-year-old Palomino stallion died suddenly after a fractured leg.
• 14-year-old Sorrel mare died suddenly after a fractured neck.
• 17-year-old Black mare euthanized due to a fractured left front leg.
• 15-year-old Black mare euthanized due to a fractured right front fetlock.

November 9, 2024: Weather: 18-51°F, sunny skies and wind.

Summary: Observers had a partial view of the trap alley but it was largely obstructed by trees. The first horses captured were recognized as familiar faces on the range over several years. Two helicopters were used and there was chaos among the horses. As one helicopter was pushing a band of horses into the trap; two horses were able to evade capture and were chased across the valley. AWHC’s observer also noted a small, young horse chased down and roped. In transportation, the semi was transferring horses at a reported high rate of speed. At the corrals, solid tarps precluded viewing opportunities.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 57 (15 Stallions, 24 Mares, and 18 Foals)
• Shipped: 118 (74 Stallions, 33 Mares, and 11 Foals)

At temporary holding:

November 8, 2024: Weather: 18-51°F, sunny skies and wind.

Summary: Observers had extremely limited visibility of the trap site. An AWHC observer noted horses were aggressively pushed by the helicopter and others were roped. One horse was captured with an overgrown hoof and another had a fractured knee.^{*According to observer reoport}

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured:136 (52 Stallions, 58 Mares, and 26 Foals)
• Shipped: 125 (56 Stallions, 38 Mares, and 31 Foals)

November 7, 2024:

Weather: 18-41°F, sunny skies and wind.

Summary: The observation viewpoint was positioned behind the loading area, limiting visibility of the alleyway and partially obscuring the trap’s wings due to a hill. However, horse leaping over the trap’s jute and wranglers roping two horses. Temporary holding facilities, situated on private land at Goicoechea Ranch, allowed observers to tour but restricted their view of the horses, as tarps covered the corrals.

Daily total^{*According to BLM report}

• Captured: 159 (75 Stallions, 55 Mares, and 29 Foals)

1 Death.^{*According to BLM report}

• 8-year-old Bay stallion euthanized due to physical defect -- severe sway back.

November 6, 2024:  Weather: 14-31°F, sunny skies and wind

Summary: No AWHC observer on site.

Daily total

• Captured: 22 (10 Stallions, 10 Mares, and 2 Foals)
• Shipped: 44 (25 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 19 Foals)

2 Deaths.

• 5-year-old Sorrel stallion euthanized due to blindness -- missing right eye.
• 6-year-old Bay mare euthanized due to blindness -- missing left eye.

November 5, 2025: Weather: 28-41°F, sunny skies and wind.

Summary: No AWHC observer on site.

Daily total

• Captured: 54 (20 Stallions, 22 Mares, and 12 Foals)
• Shipped: 37 (0 Stallions, 37 Mares, and 0 Foals)

‍November 4, 2024: Weather: 28-45°F, sunny skies and wind.

Summary: No AWHC observer on site.

Daily total

• Captured: 34 (15 Stallions, 11 Mares, and 8 Foals)
• Shipped:  122 (58 Stallions, 36 Mares, and 26 Foals)

‍November 3, 2024: Weather: 30-45°F, wind and snow.

Summary: No AWHC observer on site.

Daily total

• Captured: 128 (42 Stallions, 56 Mares, and 30 Foals)
• Shipped: 45 (0 Stallions, 28 Mares, and 17 Foals)

November 2, 2024: 81 horses captured, one dead. The BLM euthanized a 20+ year old stallion for a missing right eye.