Roundup Report: West Douglas Herd Area, August 2021
Introduction: In August 2021, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted a controversial roundup in the West Douglas Herd Area (HA), removing 457 wild horses. This operation, labeled as an 'emergency' action, has sparked debate over the management of wild horse habitats and the allocation of resources. This report provides a detailed account of the roundup, its costs, and the implications for wild horse conservation.
Background
The West Douglas Herd Area is located near the 190,000-acre Piceance-East Douglas Herd Management Area. Despite the presence of approximately 450 wild horses, the BLM has designated this area as not managed for wild horses, citing challenging terrain and limited summer range.
Emergency Action and Costs
The BLM justified the roundup as an emergency action due to limited water sources and deteriorating habitat following the Oil Springs fire. However, the agency continues to permit 713 cow/calf pairs to graze in the area, with no Animal Unit Months (AUMs) allocated for wild horses. The roundup is expected to cost taxpayers at least $476,203, with an additional lifetime cost of approximately $22.5 million for housing the horses in government facilities.
Roundup Report
Cumulative Totals:
- Horses Removed: 457
- Deaths: 10-11
The BLM tested 52 wild horses for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), with all results negative. Horses sent to the Canyon City Wild Horse and Burro Facility will be isolated until cleared of EIA.
Daily Roundup Summary
August 13, 2021: 9 horses removed, 1 mare died due to a pre-existing spine fracture.
August 12, 2021: 17 horses captured, 1 death due to pre-existing conditions.
August 11, 2021: 21 horses removed, 1 death from a leg fracture.
August 10, 2021: 20 horses removed, no deaths.
August 9, 2021: 21 horses removed, no deaths.
August 8, 2021: 25 horses captured, no deaths.
August 7, 2021: 19 horses rounded up, 1 stallion euthanized for a leg fracture.
August 6, 2021: 22 horses captured, 2 deaths due to pre-existing conditions.
August 5, 2021: No operations due to helicopter maintenance.
August 4, 2021: 16 horses removed, no deaths.
August 3, 2021: 32 horses removed, 1 stallion euthanized for a leg fracture.
August 2, 2021: 11 horses removed, no deaths. Total: 255 horses captured, 4 deaths.
August 1, 2021: 22 horses captured, no deaths.
July 31, 2021: 36 horses removed, 1 foal euthanized for pre-existing conditions.
July 30, 2021: 32 horses captured, 1 foal placed into foster care.
July 29, 2021: 29 horses removed, 2 deaths due to pre-existing injuries.
July 28, 2021: 55 horses removed, 1 foal placed into foster care.
July 27, 2021: 42 horses removed.
July 26, 2021: 28 horses captured, 1 horse euthanized for blindness in one eye.