February 28, 2011

BLM Halts Wild Horse Roundup Early; Returns 22 Horses to the Range

At long last, animal advocates have scored two small victories in the fight to end the inhumane, unsustainable wild horse management policies of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM): On Friday, having rounded up about 1,370 horses—approximately 600 horses short of its previously stated goal of 2,000—the agency brought an early end to the controversial Antelope Complex roundup in northern Nevada. And on Sunday, the BLM returned 20 chemically sterilized mares and two studs to the range.

Photo by Terry Fitch

These developments followed the BLM’s announcement on Thursday, February 24, that it would undertake a large-scale overhaul of its wild horse management program. That about-face came on the heels of a U.S. House of Representatives vote to cut the agency’s budget by $2 million.

Journalist and horse advocate R.T. Fitch and his wife, equine photographer Terry Fitch, were present during the Antelope roundup and filmed the moment when the 22 horses were returned to federally protected public lands. Watch the Fitches’ video below to see the horses realize they’re free.

Although the ASPCA is thankful for the early termination of this particular roundup and release of a handful of wild horses, reform to this program is long overdue and we will continue to monitor the BLM’s progress in living up to its recent promises. Of the nearly 1,400 horses removed from the Antelope Complex, the BLM has returned just 31 to the range. The agency has also confirmed nine fatalities. “It’s quite troubling that more than 1,000 horses had to be callously and unnecessarily removed from the Antelope Complex before the BLM decided to heed our appeal,” says Matt Bershadker, ASPCA Vice President of Anti-Cruelty.

Adds Terry Fitch, “I am stunned that while the roundup was still under way hundreds of private cattle were being introduced to the very same range that only hours before our proud national icons once grazed.”

Says Bershadker, “We hope the BLM’s recent decision to re-evaluate its failing practices will allow the agency to focus its vast resources on ensuring the National Academy of Sciences has the access and assistance it needs to provide a careful study of the wild horses, resulting in a more humane, sustainable management program.”