Jack:
Over the course of my work as a PhotoAdvocate, I’ve spent a good deal of time on the ground supporting AWHC’s roundup documentation operations in various Western states. I’ve witnessed first-hand the brutal reality wild horses and burros face during federal helicopter roundups. Today I want to share with you my recent experience at the Blue Wing Complex roundup in Nevada.
Photo Credit: WilsonAxpe Photoadvocacy
It was an eerie start to the day, heavy wildfire smoke lingered in the sky, making dismal public observation conditions even worse. We were placed nearly two miles away from the trap site, which made observation, guaranteed by the First Amendment, meaningless. Still, we stayed in the field to bring transparency to the operation happening in the remote corners of Nevada and to tell the stories of the mustangs who lost all they hold dear — their family and freedom.
In fact, the Blue Wing roundup has been the deadliest operation so far this year, with a shocking 42 deaths in a span of a mere few weeks — representing a quarter of all roundup deaths so far this fiscal year.
The importance of public observation was solidified during this roundup when my fellow documenter, Monica Ross, captured horrific and shocking footage of a Bureau of Land Manangement (BLM) contractor repeatedly kicking and punching an exhausted wild horse in the head.
Without difficult videos such as these, abusive roundup actions would not be brought to light. The video raises the alarming question: Has the BLM lost sight of its protection mandate while losing control of its operation?
AWHC’s documentation of the horrifying abuse at Blue Wing sparked outrage with wild horse advocates and struck a gruesome chord with the general public through extensive coverage by national and local media outlets:
Whether you oppose or support helicopter roundups is immaterial. This is about an innocent animal’s right to fair treatment — and even the Bureau should be appalled.
We have called on the BLM to thoroughly investigate this cruel incident, and reevaluate its ongoing partnership with the contractor. The BLM must be held to account for a meaningful and convincing remedy.
Public awareness is one of our best protections against taxpayer-funded animal cruelty playing out now in targeted roundup areas. Lawmakers are speaking out, but we need your help to amplify their voices and drive meaningful change.
Jack, I’m advocating alongside my colleagues at American Wild Horse Conservation to document and seek reform of the BLM’s unacceptable standard of wild herd management once and for all. With new roundups beginning as we speak, can you chip in to help us continue this important work in the months ahead?
Thank you for your continued support. It never goes unnoticed.
Onward,
Scott Wilson
American Wild Horse Conservation
