The Tragic Reality: Why the U.S. Is Rounding Up Wild Horses

Wild horses in the U.S. face a grim reality as government agencies conduct roundups that threaten their existence. These majestic creatures are chased by helicopters, separated from their families, and often end up in crowded holding facilities. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) is witnessing these events and raising concerns about the methods and motives behind these actions.

The Scene of the Roundup

On August 10, 2018, observers from the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) witnessed a distressing scene at the Bible Springs Complex and the Sulphur Herd Management Area in Southern Utah. Helicopters chased wild horses, causing panic and chaos, leading to injuries as horses collided with barbed wire fences.

Methods of Capture

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) uses helicopters to stampede horses into traps, often employing a 'Judas horse' to lead them. This method is highly stressful for the horses, separating families and causing injuries.

“These horses are wild animals, so they’ve lived their entire lives out there,” Kuhn said. “Then you bring these scary objects — I don’t know if you’ve ever been around a helicopter, but they’re very loud and they [the horses] don’t know what it is.”

Consequences of Roundups

Once captured, horses are placed in holding facilities, which are overcrowded and stressful. Adoption rates are low, and while past practices of sending horses to slaughterhouses have ceased, the threat of lethal measures remains a concern.

During recent roundups, several horses died due to injuries sustained during capture, highlighting the dangers of these operations.

Alternative Solutions

Kuhn advocates for humane solutions such as fertility control and protecting natural predators to manage wild horse populations. Reducing cattle grazing on public lands could also alleviate pressure on wild horse habitats.

“The government's failed and inhumane program doesn't have to be this way,” Kuhn added. “There are proven humane solutions that can be implemented today to help control wild horse population numbers and keep wild horses wild — and free.”

Originally posted by The Dodo