The first two phases have ended… but Owyhee has just begun…
The Owyhee HMA portion of the ten year plan for the Owyhee Complex (Winnemucca/Elko) has ended. Today the last horses of the PZP treated wild horses are being released on the range.
Phase one of the operation, the Little Owyhee, ended on Dec 20, 2012. Phase two has ended on January 15, originally expected to end December 23.
The conduct demonstrated at the first phase of operations has begun the discussion of a very real need for BLM to adopt a humane handling policy, not simply assert that all is “humane.” On January tenth a restraining order was placed on specific questionable practices that BLM still asserts are “humane.” A Motion for Injunctive relief is pending a Reply by the BLM and response from Plaintiff. A hearing on the Motion is expected soon. You can read about the case here: http://wildhorseeducation.org/owyhee-complex/
In August of 2011 Plaintiff Laura Leigh of Wild Horse Education gained a Restraining Order and subsequent Injunction to pilot conduct at the Triple B operation in Ely/Elko. The underlying Complaint is heading for a hearing shortly and no helicopters have flown in the Complex since the Restraining Order was put in place.
“The need for an enforceable humane handling policy is apparent,” stated Leigh “If the agency will not do what is right we must continue to advocate for our American treasure in the courts. If we have to build the policy language order by order we will. But it is mind boggling why BLM just refuses to do the right thing.”
The first two phases of a ten year plan have ended… but the fight to get the wild horses at Owyhee (and everywhere a wild horse or burro stands) treated humanely has just begun.
Please join with us to fight for humane care, a fair share on the range and the access to hold the government accountable to the people.
“Like us” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHorseEducation
Categories: Owyhee
