After a nearly 3.5 hour delay, BLM released 97 mares back into the Calico Complex. The mares were given a two doses of a heavy hitting hormonal fertility control substance used in domestic mares with severe ovarian disease to stop ovulation for 5-10 years. BLM is switching herds from the 1-2 year non hormonal PZP to the heavy GonaCon westwide as they rely on studies that focus on “cost” and not impacts to the herd. This is how BLM is using additional funding from Congress to “expand fertility control.” When talking to Congress, please be specific in what you are asking for. If you want flaws in the lack of data done BEFORE roundups, you need to say so. (Sample for Appropriations interactions)

This old paint mare went home. Many of you remember her and her buddy when they arrived at PVC after capture. We saw her, by herself, a number of times at the holding facility but not her old buddy with the head wound. We do not know yet what happened to her and believe she was shipped to the Winnemucca facility that is off-limits to public viewing.

We are trying to get a list of mares released (color and age) and will share the information if BLM ever provides the list. We estimate this mares age at over 20 based in numerous days of observing her on range and in holding. She will probably never reproduce again. The average lifespan of a wild horse is 18-22 years. The GonaCon BLM gave these mares (many pregnant already from last season) won’t wear off in her lifetime. (The mares pregnant may or may not deliver a healthy foal and then not reproduce for 5-10 years).

Our observer had to request to see all the mates released numerous times. It appears BLM was only going to allow observation of two stock trailers at the nearest location. However, observation was allowed from afar of the semi load and two additional stock trailers.

BLM released wild mares in 2 locations. These locations are NOT correlated to place of capture. Oddly, BLM released a few mares with radio collars. However, if the mares move from release location, did she just move back towards home range?

BLM did not do a census flight prior to the roundup, but has said they will do one post roundup.

You can find out more about this squeeze at Calico. This was a very sad and unnecessary roundup driven by politics and favoritism. Click HERE

The Calico Complex comprises approximately 584,101 acres, however the total area targeted is approximately 1,041,000 acres. BLM says only 467 – 777 wild horses can live in the area.

Our teams had numerous conferences and exchanges of information today with everyone from attorneys on active cases to BLM to address potential mitigation to address issues in other cases. We have also squeezed in a multi-day interview with media. We will have more for you soon.

End-of-year funding is critical to all nonprofits to keep programs running into the new year. WHE is no exception. Without you, none of our work is possible.

Our wild ones should live free on the range with the families they hold dear. Our wild ones should also live without abuse. WHE carries ongoing litigation to push BLM into open public process to create an enforceable welfare standard for our treasured wild ones. Something they said they would do years ago. 

Thank you for keeping us in the fight!

There are many ways to support the work of WHE from direct contribution, stock donations and even while you shop. More HERE.