Ground research: Very few horses found in initial survey. Findings confirmed by Ben Noyes, Wild Horse and Burro specialist Ely. Scattered small bands not in numbers expected from EA.

Hank Vogler, sheep rancher and owner of 11 allotments (on Nevada Feral Horse Committee) gave interview. Vogler spoke of his friends shooting horses as the act was passed so horses would not be found in their allotments. Roundup occurred almost every day (with repeat traps set) on one of Voglers allotments. Numbers of horses removed not justified in the use of time and resource.

Accusations of fixed wing aircraft scattering horses led to discovery of USDA trapper removing coyotes from Vogler’s allotments. Eye-witness account of horses being moved by this plane and photographs held by that individual confirm trapper plane.

Roundup Concerns: Number of horses does not justify time and expense. Range (forage/water) available to sustain current population and foal crop.

Horses coming in have an unusually low percentage of younger members/older members and pregnant mares (foaling season begins in March). Raises concerns about the horses actually making it to the trap based on pilot performance. Pilot appears to be inexperienced and/or have a lack of equine behavioral knowledge. First Roundup Warm Springs, Oregon. Told by BLM personnel pilot was “learning.” Subsequent roundups have also demonstrated an inexperienced crew.

Horses repeatedly not given time to “settle” at trap prior to loading.

Pilot repeatedly (from ability to observe) breaks apart bands and has repeated escapes at the trap. From observations horses may be run multiple times in a single day. Pilot has repeatedly flown dangerously close to animals.

Animals arriving at the trap seriously lathered. (When ability to observe allows) This demonstrates long distances and/or undue stress.

Ability to access/observe: Ability to document horses condition is severely restricted. Respiration rate has not been documented. Access to trap and holding is severely restricted due to the new “safety” protocols yet contractor allows access to internal photographer and toddler has been documented playing in area and even on the trap itself.

Concerns about leaving the Ely district and moving to Elko. Elko district has been notorious for restricting ability to observe.

Related Articles

• Gutsy Nevada Sheriff Investigates Obama’s BLM Wild Horse Cruelty Reports (rtfitch.wordpress.com)
• Obama Administration Continues Acts of Animal Cruelty at Antelope Wild Horse Stampede (rtfitch.wordpress.com)
• Pictorial Essay of Obama’s Wild Horse Stampede at Antelope Complex (rtfitch.wordpress.com)
• Obama Administration to Begin “Largest” Wild Horse Stampede of the Winter (rtfitch.wordpress.com)
• NV Congresswoman Speaks Out on Obama BLM Animal Cruelty at Wild Horse Stampede (rtfitch.wordpress.com)
• Horse roundup near Pickens sanctuary criticized (sfgate.com)
• BLM Above the Law? “Who will stop Salazar’s rogue bureau before they ruin the West? (ppjg.wordpress.com)

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Feb. 9, 2011