Roundups Continue As Fall Approaches

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been quietly removing wild horses and burros via bait trapping, a method considered less invasive than helicopter roundups. However, this approach has still resulted in traumatic injuries and deaths. These animals are being separated from their families and transported to holding pens, with many facing a future in captivity and the looming threat of slaughter.

Below is an update on the BLM wild horse and burro removals that have taken place so far this summer, along with the tentative removal schedule moving into the fall.

Current and Upcoming Roundups

Cibola/Dome Valley/YPG Wild Horse and Burro Removal, Yuma, Arizona

Underway: The BLM plans to remove 25 wild horses and 35 wild burros near Highway 95 and Aberdeen Road in Yuma, Arizona, due to safety concerns for motorists. As of September 6, 2016, 34 burros and 31 horses have been removed. Read more here.

Stone Cabin HMA Removal, Tonopah, Nevada

Underway: Approximately 325 wild horses will be removed using bait/water trapping. Of these, 115 horses, mostly weaned foals and yearlings, will be removed, and 210 will be released back to the range. Released mares will be treated with the PZP fertility control vaccine. As of September 7, 78 wild horses have been removed. Contractor: Warner Livestock. Read more here.

Woodhills/Spruce-Pequop HMA Removal, Elko, Nevada

Underway: The BLM plans to remove approximately 60 horses using temporary water and bait traps. As of September 6, 30 wild horses have been removed. Contractor: Sampson Livestock. Read more here.

Three Fingers HMA Helicopter Roundup, Vale, OR

Completed: The BLM rounded up and removed 155 wild horses, including 33 foals, 55 mares, and 67 stallions, using helicopter stampedes. Read more here.

Triple B HMA and Silver King HMA Removal, Ely, Nevada

Completed: The BLM captured and removed 105 wild horses from the Silver King HMA and 181 from the Triple B HMA using bait-trapping. There were several deaths due to dehydration, broken necks, and a broken leg. Contractors: Warner Livestock and Sampson Livestock. Read more here and here.

Blawn Wash Roundup, Western Utah

Completed: The BLM rounded up and removed 158 animals using helicopter stampedes, resulting in two deaths from a broken neck and severe scoliosis. Read more here.