Please join us in calling for a postponement or suspension of the Blue Wing Complex roundup set to begin Monday, July 8. 

We do not know why BLM continues to schedule roundups in July in areas that are prone to excessive and dangerous heat warnings and poor summer air quality danger zones, but they do. 

Blue Wing in Nevada is one such area and an extremely dangerous and extended heat event is hitting the area.

Doing a roundup now will place horses, burros and any human working at the trap and corrals in danger (more than usual).  BLM also plans on running the roundup and shipping from the range to off-limits to the public facilities where the extended impacts of helicopter drive trapping in heat warnings will be kept out of site of the public eye.

Wild horses with no shade at Palomino Valley Center holding corrals will be in danger with no shade or relief of any kind simply by standing in a pen. The horses run at Blue Wing will be in serious danger of both immediate and long term impacts.

Temperatures are expected to remain over 100 degrees in direct capture zone until July 14th.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe health warning due to heat near the area where capture is set to begin. The heat bubble could change, expand, extend. BLM should take precautions and suspend the start of this roundup. 

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PDT FRIDAY… WHAT…Hot daytime temperatures near 105 degrees and limited overnight cooling with morning lows in the mid 60s to mid 70s through most of this week will result in a prolonged period of Major HeatRisk and heat health impacts. IMPACTS…Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

The Heat Index is expected to exceed the extreme caution zone early each day and enter the danger zone rapidly. The extended nature of the heatwave produces risks that extend beyond a single day as cumulative impacts related to heat such as dehydration compound.

PLEASE remember BLM has NO ENFORCEABLE WELFARE RULES. We are in the courts NOW over this issue. BLM does not even have a heat or air quality standard that is inline with modern veterinary practices.

Please join us in requesting BLM suspend the Blue Wing operation until fall. At minimum, BLM should delay the start of the operation until temperatures drop below 100 degrees on July 14th. 

You can take action by clicking HERE.

Or you can email the NV State Wild Horse and Burro Lead, Ruth Thompson at: rthompso@blm.gov .  You can also contact the Wild Horse and Burro Specialist in charge of Blue Wing, Garret Swisher at: gswisher@blm.gov

Simply ask that: “The Blue Wing roundup must be postponed due to extreme danger from the ongoing heat event. Dangers are high for both humans and horses and burros. BLM states that they are committed to conduct roundups with both human and animal safety as a priority. BLM should immediately suspend the Blue Wing Complex roundup.” 

We were in touch with our attorneys and a notice is being sent to BLM.

Our welfare team is currently attending the North Lander Complex roundup in Wyoming. The circumstances surrounding the justification for the removal in the first place are debatable in accuracy and justification. However, temperatures and Heat Index are not expected to play a significant role in the issues our team is monitoring.

However, areas like Blue Wing will be a literal hellscape this time of year. There is no such thing as becoming acclimated to heat when it hits a level that impacts basic physiological processes and brain function. Blue Wing, while tiny babies are on the ground, will be beyond simply ignoring precautions to safeguard health and safety.

If Blue Wing begins on schedule, this will be intentional abuse to both our wild ones and to any contract staff at trap and holding. 

WHE has just been offered a match challenge! Dollar-for-dollar your contribution will be matched up to $5,000. until July 15th. If you have been contemplating a contribution, every dollar donated will be matched! Can you help us reach this goal and unlock the match?

Thank you for keeping WHE on the frontline in the fight to protect and preserve our treasured wild ones!