The Fall 2019 Wild Horse Roundup Season in Full Force
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has launched its fall 2019 wild horse roundup, aiming to remove over 3,500 federally-protected wild horses and burros from public lands. This initiative spans multiple states, with significant activities in California, Nevada, and Utah. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) continues to advocate for humane management practices.
Devil's Garden Wild Horse Territory, California
On September 5, 2019, the U.S. Forest Service began another roundup of approximately 500 California mustangs from the Devil's Garden Wild Horse Territory within the Modoc National Forest in Alturas, California. This follows last fall's controversial removal of 932 horses, which led to public and political opposition. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), alongside the Animal Legal Defense Fund, filed a lawsuit to block the Forest Service's plan. Efforts also include legislation to protect California's wild and domestic horses from slaughter.
Under pressure from local ranching interests, the Forest Service aims to reduce the wild horse population significantly while allowing extensive livestock grazing. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) offered a fertility control project to manage the population humanely, but it was rejected.
Fish Creek Herd Management Area, Nevada
On September 6, 2019, the BLM began removing 600 wild horses from the Fish Creek HMA in Nevada. The roundup aimed to align the population with the BLM's set limits. The Fish Creek HMA includes unique curly mustangs, which are being studied for historical ties. Despite not meeting the total roundup target, the BLM agreed to release 20 horses and is planning a humane fertility control program.
Read the roundup reports here.
Onaqui Herd Management Area, Utah
On September 11, 2019, the BLM initiated the removal of approximately 200 wild horses from the Onaqui HMA in Utah. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) engaged in dialogue with the BLM to minimize removals and expand fertility control programs. The BLM agreed to limit removals and collaborate on humane management strategies.