OnFebruary 18th the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) held their “trap site” adoption of Stone Cabin/Saulsbuy horses. The event was held adjacent to the temporary holding area used during the roundup operation.
Adoption day at the BLM corrals set near temporary holding for gather operations. The public was able to talk to the wild horse and burro specialists and field manger.
Seven of the twelve animals offered for adoption found homes. The club foot went to a rescue (I will fill in the name after I go through text messages) along with a young filly that became his companion.
Club foot foal loading to go to a "rescue"
After members of the public completed paperwork horses were sorted and freezemarked.
Sorting out horses chosen for adoption
Haltering and freeze branding was observed by the public. Handling was done well and staff did not rush to load.
Shawna Richardson and Dustin Hollowell, wild horse and burro specialists, haltering a young filly
Calming a nervous stud colt prior to freezemarking
Nevada Horse Power, the non-profit that is partially funded by sales of license plates, was there to provide transportation for some of the adopters.
Transportation assistance from Horse Power
Loading of adopted horses
The next morning the animals that were not adopted were loaded into a BLM trailer the following morning. They were taken to Palomino Valley Center north of Reno where they are available for adoption.
Loaded in BLM trailer heading for PVC
Full roundup report will be posted soon.
note: BLM gather reports have not been updated since Feb. 14th. Yes, I am aware and will get the information to you that I have as fast as I can.
The Stone Cabin Saulsbury roundup concluded today with the release of aprox. 147 back to the range. Final numbers will be posted on BLM’s update page and on this website (along with a complete report from the field on this page).
Tomorrow will be the day for the “trap site” adoption in Tonopah and with luck some of these youngsters will go to a loving home that can understand all they have been through and all they have to teach.
But I wanted to take a moment and share some images and thoughts on this experience.
The Leap Home
The release was about a 50/50 male female ratio with mares treated with PZP. The last roundup done in this area was in 2007 with no fertility control.
Home
Animals were released into home ranges and immediately headed off into the distance toward familiar water sources. It is an incredibly beautiful range. There is a stark beauty that these animals magnify of our western heritage. They are a true symbol of that spirit to survive.
Freedom
This range was the first to be rounded up under the 1971 Act. This area is known for the “Stone Cabin” grey. These animals were beloved by “Wild Horse Annie” and she was in attendance to watch over them and their care during that first round up that marked the end of “mustanging” by private profiteers and began the system that has evolved into the one we have today.
Stone Cabin Grey
This roundup saw two club foot youngsters go into the adoption program instead of being euthanized. One will be available at the trap site option, the other at Ridgecrest facility.
This roundup also saw two older, thin mares released back to the range and not euthanized. “They have good teeth and have a good chance,” said the wild horse and burro specialist onsite.
Old Grey Mare
This mare fell in the trailer as it pulled up for her release back “home.” She struggled to regain her feet.
But the last photograph of the day was of this mare meeting a friend that waited on the hillside for her. They went slowly over the horizon together.
As it should be...
The full report on this operation coming very soon.
I showed up this am in the bitter cold and there was no public access point at the trap… “Who in their right mind would come out on a day like today?”…. (Never said the mind was “right”) Could not see handling at holding. Cannot see enough to assess horses and handling, at all. (I still don’t think they understand I can see horses on the range by myself and do with frequency. I want to see how they are handled).
There have been areas of improved dialogue working on the Stone Cabin adoption but real access is a major issue…
I left with a head ache thinking tomorrow might be better.
As soon as I had signal I saw I had a text from my attorney Gordon Cowan “Call Urgent.”
He read me the decision with so much emotion he had to stop twice.
I could hear those that signed our Constitution into law… applaud.
BLM Must Grant Press Access to Observe “Gathers” After
Huge Loss in Federal Court
From Horseback Magazine
February 14, 2012
Wild Horse Advocate Laura Leigh Wins on All Counts in Ninth Circuit Case
By Steven Long
Photos, Laura Leigh and Gordon Cowan
HOUSTON, (Horseback) – In a Nevada case with far reaching First Amendment implications, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down a ruling by a Reno federal judge and remanded the complaint of aHorseback Magazine news photographer back to his court. Laura Leigh, a freelance photojournalist on general assignment to cover massive Bureau of Land Management roundups of wild horses in the American West, sought a temporary restraining order on grounds that her access to observe the capture process directly was being routinely denied by the federal Bureau of Land Management.
The BLM denies access to press and public to roundups it terms “gathers” in which scores of horses are stampeded and die. They are then held at taxpayer expense on vast pastures owned by private landowners when the agency controls 245 million acres where the horses could be kept for free.
It also sets up temporary holding pens where the press and public is denied on private land claiming it denies access on orders of the land owners.
Judge Larry Hicks of Reno had denied a temporary restraining order sought by Leigh in late 2010 saying it was moot since the roundups had already taken place. In the appellate court’s Valentine’s Day ruling Justice Milan D. Smith speaking for the court sternly pointed out the case became moot because Hicks was tardy in making a judgment either for or against Leigh. She was represented by famed Nevada litigator Gordon Cowan.
The case was funded by the Wild Horse Freedom Federation. Amicus briefs in the case were filed by The Reporter’s Committee for Freedom of the Press and National Press Photographer’s Association. Also representing Leigh was San Francisco attorney Bruce Wagman.
Cowan, the Reno, Nevada attorney who handled the case from its inception, said “When federal appellate judges write compelling words that, ‘The free press is the guardian of the public interest, and the independent judiciary is the guardian of the free press,’ in my opinion they demonstrate their true heroism in standing guard for First Amendment freedoms. And, they give press members like Ms. Laura Leigh hope that someone is looking out for them.”
In a call from the Nevada wilderness late Tuesday to Horseback Magazine, Leigh reported she is still being denied access to observe the handling the animals in temporary holding by the contractor at Stone Cabin in Tonopah despite her victory in federal court today.
In writing for the court Smith reminded Hicks, of an 1822 a quote from James Madison, author of the U.S. Constitution, saying, “a popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Face or a Tragedy, or perhaps both.” The justice went on to say “To provide this first Amendment Protection the Supreme Court has long recognized a qualified right of access for the press and public to observe government activities.”
The BLM’s chief Washington spokesman Tom Gorey refused comment on today’s developments in the California appellate court.
Yesterday this little boy came off the range with two others that have club foot. The other two are older and have two feet (one severe). Those two will most likely be euthanized today.
This little guy that will most likely shed out to be a grey has been placed into the pens for the onsite adoption. He is allowing himself to be touched and is taking “scratches” today.
If you can adopt him and see if you can rehab or just love him for the rest of his life contact Tom Seeley at the Tonopah field office: (775) 482-7801
club foot close-up
Club foot little boy will be at trap site adoption
Tomorrow evening we will get the “adoption” page started with horses that will be available at the “trapsite” adoption. Event is scheduled for the 18th.
3 horses died today. One broke neck during PZP treatment and one seemed to just die (necropsy to be performed). At trapsite a horse had to be roped, during loading it broke a leg and was dispatched by gunshot at the trailer.
Release scheduled tomorrow.
Still having communication, internet issues. Video load tomorrow.
note: operations are beginning early as Garfield Flat ended early. They will begin on Sunday. I will arrive shortly after that.
geldings needing homes at Palomino Valley Center
The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) will be conducting a removal operation of wild horses within the Stone Cabin and Saulsbury HMAs.The Tonopah Field Office (TFO) is planning to conduct trap site adoption for people interested in bringing a horse from these ranges into their homes. This trap site adoption could be considered a “home range” option for adopting wild horses or burros.
This option allows prospective adopters to bring their horse home from the range instead of obtaining the animal from a short-term holding facility.
Bureau of Land Management Battle Mountain District Manager Doug Furtado believes that integrated trap site adoptions are the right thing to do. Mr. Furtado states “In the past, BLM has conducted satellite adoption events as well as trap site adoptions. Integrated trap site adoptions are cost effective as no additional expense is incurred as the wild horses and/or burros are adopted on site prior to shipment to a temporary holding facility. Secondly, and most importantly, adopted wild horses or burros are taken directly from the gather to their new homes.”
This is an option that may facilitate a faster adaptation to ‘home’ life minimizing trauma of transport and the movement that occurs at the holding facility. This will allow the new owner more control of stimulus presented to the horses.
“Having an adopter come to the animals home range has other benefits as well” states Laura Leigh, a wild horse advocate and founder of Wild Horse Education and VP of Wild Horse Freedom Federation, “the new owner may gain an appreciation of how this animal has lived and survived that may also facilitate a deeper understanding and relationship.”
Wild horses and burros removed from the range are offered for adoption to qualified people through the BLM’s Adopt-a-Horse or Burro Program. Potential adopters must have the proper facilities and financial means to care for an adopted animal, and we always hope that they have experience (or experienced assistance) working with a wild horse or burro, which will help ensure the gentling process. All animals adopted in this “home range” option will be subject to compliance check and all provisions will be identical to those adopted at a facility.
No horses will be “sale authority” through this adoption.
If you do not have an approved application and are interested in this adoption option please begin your approval process as soon as possible.
To facilitate the public and assist with questions and paperwork wild horse and burro specialists from the BLM will be on site. Wild Horse Education will also be present and available as a resource for the public.
“This option is being done with the intent to offer the public and horses something that may prove beneficial,” said Leigh “toward that end I have volunteered to assist the BLM by helping to answer questions, offer input on problem solving and follow through.”
“Working together to find options presents many new possibilities,” said Furtado. “Perhaps through this process we can begin to expand dialogue into the future.”
“The focus of our advocacy work has always been to improve conditions for each horse and improve communication,” states RT Fitch of Wild Horse Freedom Federation “it is with sincere hope that actions like these begin to facilitate that end.”
If you are interested in adoption please contact Thomas Seley, Field Manager, Bureau of Land Management Tonopah Field Office at (775) 482-7801 or Wild Horse Education at WildHorseEducation@gmail.com
I can see the positive and have reported it. I will report on what you allow me to see. If I can’t see it… or simply see things that raise serious issues… if I have no channel for dialogue… my only option is to have the public raise their voice.
I will contrast for you:
Kiger 2011
Triple B. If you listen to me you can hear me say “Ben, call him off.” I knew the potential here was “not good.” No one near me EVER has a working radio anymore because it can only be assumed you don’t want me to hear you… and do not want to hear me.
All I want is an avenue for productive, honest dialogue.
We went back into Court to attempt to address the issues of a lack of humane care standard in the BLM’s wild horse and burro program. Although the door is open to bring the next challenge (and we are preparing to hit the road) it is time to “clog the FAX.”
Judge Howard McKibben could not address the “program wide” issue and pointed out that “is the job of Congress.”
RENO, (WHFF) –Yesterday, January 26th 2012, in a Nevada Federal Court the legal saga addressing the lack of human care standards in the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro program continued as U.S. District Judge Howard McKibben acknowledged the validity of concerns brought forward but denied any further action on this motion to expand the issue beyond the Triple B roundup against the BLM on behalf of plaintiff Laura Leigh of the Wild Horse Freedom Federation (WHFF) while leaving the door open for additional new action.
On August 30th of 2011 Judge McKibeen handed Leigh and WHFF a unique victory when he granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the BLM and their helicopter roundup contractor, Sun-J, which unequivocally shut down the Triple-B wild horse roundup on the Nevada/Utah state line. But yesterday the Judge stated that although the plaintiff was free to address questionable conduct issues “roundup by roundup” the court did not have the jurisdiction or supporting case law to be the “overseer” of the BLM, overall.
Although the court denied injunctive relief without prejudice the Judge was adamant in stating that he was and will continue to be concerned with the care and handling of wild horses within Northern Nevada and reminded Leigh and the wild horse advocates present that their actions did not go without positive reaction from the BLM:
The Triple-B roundup was halted due to their legal action
The BLM conducted an internal investigation into their contractor’s conduct at the roundup in question.
From said investigation opportunities for improvement were identified and a recommended list of appropriate contractor behaviors was itemized (which the Judge recommended to become required policy and procedure)
The BLM will not be conducting any roundup activities in the Triple-B complex during 2012
Judge McKibben recognized Leigh’s standing, refused to address the BLM’s mootness argument and left the court’s door open for further litigation on behalf of the wild horses and burros should the situation warrant.
“This work is important,” said Leigh who is the VP of WHFF and founder of Wild Horse Education, “if that’s what it takes to get a written protocol to uphold the most basic premise of the Act, humane care, then that is what will happen until we se change in practice. Words are empty until change happens in practice.”
“I am encouraged,” stated attorney Gordon Cowan of Reno “this case has created focus on an important issue. Although not a resounding win, the Judge’s recognition of the importance of the issue and willingness to continue to hear these cases may yet lead to the desired outcome.”
“We found a dent in the BLM’s armor and likewise a Federal Judge who understands the issues,” said R.T. Fitch President of WHFF, “it is now incumbent upon ourselves and the advocacy to present noted discrepancies in an indisputable manner so as to permanently effect positive change in the handling and humane management of our national icons, the wild horses and burros of the United States”
We have just come through the hearing in the Ninth Circuit to address the issue of access to document.
9/13/2012
The case for Humane handling is coming up fast on the 26th. Documents are being prepared for the hearing. A venue is being looked into for a “moving forward” meeting to be held after the hearing on the 26th with the issue of water and public lands (wild horses) being heard in Carson City the following day.
RAC subcommittees are meeting to send recommendations for the National Academies study (NAS) on the wild horse program and a webinar is being planned for the 19th (As well as a meeting in Spokane WA of the NAS).
Roundups are ongoing with Pancake starting today and Flanigan beginning on Monday.
WHFF Legal Team, Attorney Bruce Wagman, Plaintiff Laura Leigh, Attorney Gordon Cowan
SAN FRANCISCO (Jan. 10, 2012) – Lawyers for plaintiff Laura Leigh, supported by the Wild Horse Freedom Federation, argued before the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday, in a case that strikes at the heart of the press’ access to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conduct which Leigh has alleged is both illegal and inhumane, and in violation of the federal law intended to protect wild horses on public lands. A federal judge in a different case had earlier ruled that the BLM’s exclusion of Leigh was a violation of herFirst Amendment newsgathering rights, but the issue continues to arise each time Leigh tries to document the BLM’s activity. The appellate court yesterday seemed interested in considering a new standard to gauge press access to such situations. If the court adopts a new rule, it may enable the press — and the public, which relies on it — to properly observe the tragic elimination of thewild horse from the range, as well as the horses’ ultimate disposition: adoption, sale or death.
The BLM has seized over 130,000 wild horses in its campaign to clear the public lands of these symbols of the American spirit and instead sell grazing and oil and gas rights to commercial interests to use the land which is the wild horses’ historic homeland. The BLM claims its right under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, and Leigh seeks to document its actions so that all Americans can see what is happening to these living icons of freedom. Because of the BLM’s restrictions on her ability to document and observe roundups, the conditions of horses in long-term holding, and the records of bulk sales that might land horses in the slaughter pipeline, Leigh brought this suit.
“It’s plain and simple,” said Leigh. “The BLM is operating in a manner that the public finds unacceptable, and it is not okay to hide it. This is an area of extreme public interest and the public has a right to the information so that it can reach its own opinion.”
Leigh’s suit has attracted national attention from press and First Amendment groups who have actively supported her position and filed briefs with the court urging that she be given full access to document the removal of the wild horses.
“The bottom line is the BLM obviously has something to hide, because as soon as Ms. Leigh’s first photographs were broadcast to the nation, she was severely restricted in her further ability to document the roundups,” said R.T. Fitch, President of the Wild Horse Freedom Federation, of which Ms. Leigh is Vice President. “This is a government program, affecting our greatest symbol of American history, and the BLM wants to be able to eliminate and terrorize them under the cover of darkness. BLM’s conduct flouts the right of the press under the First Amendment, and the right of these horses to be protected.”
The BLM now holds over 45,000+ captured wild horses in long-term holding corrals, and sells others who may end up in rendering plants or slaughtered for human consumption abroad. Leigh’s suit seeks to establish her ability as a member of the press corps to expose the inherent cruelty and instances of illegality in this federal program.
The suit is Laura Leigh v. Ken Salazar, No. 11-16088
HOUSTON, (WHFF) – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is demonstrating that the New Year of 2012 mirrors 2011 for the hundreds of wild horses that are currently being extracted from public lands. Despite recurring declarations made by the Agency toward reform, no changes are apparent as the BLM recently resumed helicopter driven wild horse roundups after taking a brief break from operations over the holidays.
“I felt like I was standing at the Antelope Complex roundup of last January 2011, watching the pilot demonstrate the exact same reckless behavior as he, again, flew dangerously close to the ground, very close to the horses and these maneuvers were repeated not once but continually throughout the day.”
In recent months the BLM has made several statements and recommendations in regards to the “humane handling” of the horses and burros in the agency’s care. These statements came after a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) was issued by the Honorable Judge Howard McKibben in Federal District Court on behalf of Leigh’s case in response to video documentation of a BLM contractor helicopter allegedly making contact with an exhausted wild horse during pursuit. This ruling is part of a lawsuit against the agency alleging multiple instances of inhumane handling and care.
The issues were brought into the Courtroom for Leigh’s organization through attorney Gordon Cowan of Reno.
“It is troubling,” said attorney Cowan “that even with the case awaiting hearing for Injunctive Relief at months end, and the many public statements made by the agency toward addressing this very issue, that these incidents are still occurring.
Several instances happened during the Calico roundup on January 4th that may have led to injury including an instance where a horse caught its leg in the trailer and was down on the floor.
“We were so far away that even with a powerful zoom I had no ability to assess the injuries,” stated Leigh, “There was no opportunity given to the public to observe animals in holding as the BLM placed the corrals on private property and barred access.”
The BLM contractor made arrangements to place the corrals on private property excluding the public and press from a reasonable distance to observe even though a permanent government facility for holding horses exists in close proximity.
Located at Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge a permanent structure exists to house and treat wild horses and burros. The Sheldon Refuge is part of the newly designated “Tri-state” Calico Complex where this roundup is currently being conducted. The Sheldon facility would accommodate both horses and the public in a more efficient and transparent fashion.
The issue of access to document the horses and their treatment in the governments care has also become a matter in the Court system. A “Freedom of the Press” lawsuit has made its way into the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and will be heard on Monday, January 9 2012.
“The BLM’s covert, undercover style of operation comes as no surprise”, stated equine author and President of WFHH R.T. Fitch, “but it will all come to a head when we address this historical misbehavior in court next week.”
“This is not a matter of national security,” said Leigh “it’s simply about doing what’s right for our wild horses and burros that are protected by law and the public’s right to know. If the treatment and handling were humane and appropriate, it would be wide open to observation. Until clear and defined humane standards and protocol are created and implemented in the field and consequences are in place for violations, nothing is new.”
edited to add notes on video:
note at 5:50 onward the wrangler focusing on making sure we can’t see by moving tarp, repeatedly
at 6:32 they put a rope around the horses neck and bang his head against the trailer as they try to pull him to his feet
Please note hotshot used to get injured horse to rise at 7:46
What would it have hurt to slow it down and let the just run, captured, torn from protection of family, improperly loaded, then injured horse rest?
As I watch the clock on the screen of the computer make it’s countdown to the end of 2011 I am indulging in the “year in review” mental gymnastics we all find ourselves victim of on this night. We face all the memories and the “would, coulda, shoulda” that leads to the common practice of “New Years Resolution’s.”
My data bank had a snafu and I had to rebuild the photo and video library. In the last three months more than 30,000 images and 10,000 video clips were added. Last night I began to put the “Year in Review” into a video short. Maria Daines has once again sent me a clip to use.
Setting the year into a “less than 7 minute” piece was a rough edit. There were so many faces, stories and memories I had to leave out. But I think you will get an idea of what I was able to capture on media last year.
In January both of the legal battles I have made go to hearings. Reading the cases is like an odd biography of my life these last two years… it has been a very “educational” experience on so many levels. I never knew your hair could break off from the condensation of an exhale freezing in sub-zero temperatures… or that I could change a tire in a snowstorm on a desert two-track alone. Add to that what you learn about how the government works and how it fails. How deep prejudice can run…
The work has created changes. We have “observation” (or at least the pretense) daily. We now have talk about humane care standards that unfortunately is still just talk… but both of those issues are still active in the court system. Both of these issues have been the focus of almost every action I have taken… it is an odd realization. But both have so far to go…
A “Resolution?” Smarter, stronger, faster… focus…
A “wish?” May the 2012 “year in review” video show change for the better… and and end to the prejudice on public land against our wild ones.
The clock has changed… Happy New Year to all of you and your families. Two and four legged… furred and feathered… and scaled.
The first phase of the Calico Complex (Tri-state Complex) is complete.
Today saw the small band that often crosses the Highway (34) outside of Gerlach removed.
Stud released 12-17 Calico Complex
21 studs and 11 mares were returned to the Warm Springs/Black Rock West HMA’s.
To date apox 1050 animals have been removed in the planned operation. The BLM website states “The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Winnemucca District, Black Rock Field Office will gather approximately 1,300 wild horses and 140 wild burros, of which as many as 350 wild horses would be released back to the range following the gather. “
At the High Rock Complex roundup (prior to Calico and part of the supposed Tri-State Complex) all animals were returned to the range with a hip brand marking their home ranges. During the Calico portion of the operation in this proposed Complex with the stated purpose of “cohesive and coordinated” management no studs were marked prior to release.
If we are to truly have a discussion based on the best options for actually managing this population as intended under law than the data to support decisions needs to exist. Currently decisions are based on theory not hard facts.
The request was made to Gene Seidlitz the Winnemmuca District manager (one of the men involved in the construction of the Tri-State Complex) and it was not acted upon. Seidlitz had no knowledge that the adjoining district took steps to facilitate actual tracking capabilities. When informed he took no steps to facilitate (all equipment was present and required very little extra time).
One has to wonder what the purpose of a “Tri-State” Complex is that operates simply as it always has: a non-cohesive guesswork machine.
At present no cohesive plan exists that actually has the behavioral habits of the animal the agency supposedly manages as “wild and free roaming” in actual “fact,” only “estimate.”
Observation at the roundup portion of todays operation did not promise to facilitate a good viewing location and the release was observed.
Mare from the "Gerlach Bunch" taken 12-17
One mare was observed with a laceration to her face and possible eye injury and the stud from todays group had some apparent superficial bleeding of the pasterns (most likely from the run over rock).
A hiatus for the holiday will last until January 3 when operations will resume on the Eastern side of the Complex.
Note: There has been much talk about the implementation of a humane care standard (with ramification for violation) as well as training protocol and communication improvements. But at this stage of the “game” it is only talk… nothing has changed. (Behavior was better as a representative from DC arrived. But we have seen that “show” before).
