Mustang Advocates Protest BLM Helicopter Roundups

2 KYVN Reno

Posted: Jul 11, 2012 7:08 PM Updated: Jul 11, 2012 7:09 PM

 

Wild horse advocates in Sacramento protested the Bureau of Land Management's use of helicopters to round up horses.

The groups 'Native Wild Horse Protection' and 'Protect Mustangs' claim foals are stampeded for miles by helicopters and when some suffer injuries, they have to be euthanized.
"The horses have lost more and more space due to a variety of reasons and agencies that would like to see them removed and personally I would like to see them stay out on the range," says wild horse advocate Tina Brodrick.
The groups say during a recent roundup in the Jackson Mountains 12 horses had to be euthanized.
The BLM says that particular roundup was critical to prevent the horses from dying because there was a lack of food and water in the area, due to drought.
The agency also says most of the horses put down were because of pre-existing conditions - and while helicopters can cause more stress for the animals at first, they calm down quickly.
During the Jackson roundup, a federal judge temporarily banned helicopters for part of the gather until foaling season started on July 1st.
Written by Michael Wolfe