Rate this:
Share this on behalf of the Horses and Burros::
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
- Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
- Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
- Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
- Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
- Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
- Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
- Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
Related
Categories: Horse News
Straight from the Horse's Heart 
Thanks RT. Thanks Laura. So glad Laura can be an observer.
LikeLike
Not a 100% victory for sure but great that they raids were split into 3 and that Laura will be there and documenting, this will ease many of our fears and perhaps will keep the raiders more humane and careful in the treatment of the horses. The BLM still got away with their lying ways. Thanks for letting us know RT and Laura.
LikeLike
OK not bad news. I wish the judge had halted all round-ups/stampedes/gathers for ever — but Hooray Laura will be there. Oh the words I could say about BLM– there are not words bad enough for them……….. Thank you RT and Laura– prayers for the horses– in God we must trust– certainly BLMkind are not trust-able.
LikeLike
good for Laura, good for the horses( best would have been to leave them on fence freed land), hopefully BLM and Cattoors will be VERY careful w/ the horses. also Laura will be able to document the alleged drought conditions for us.
LikeLike
Yayyyyyy!! and all that… the foot in the door. mar
LikeLike
Although I AM disappointed that the Owyhee roundup is going forward, Mar is right. This is MUCH better than we have EVER done before. And, Laura will be there, and you KNOW the BLM is mad enough to chew nails about THAT.
Also, I have to wonder if these horses really ARE in trouble. I mean, we have no idea what the BLM did to them that first day, and we DO know that the horses cannot get to the best watering places. Where is the water that they were drinking before the BLM got there, and how far away from it are they now? I realize that there has been no drought, and if the horses really ARE dehydrated, it’s the BLM’s fault.
We need to address THIS in court too – the horses being fenced off from most of the water. What if there really WERE a drought?
We at GrassRootsHorse.com WILL appeal this, never fear. But now that I think about it, this was NOT a defeat. You GO, Laura! We’re with you all the way!
LikeLike
You are right Suzanne! The “drought” was created by the BLM, and it only effects the Wild Horses, because they were intentionally fenced off of water. This alone is against the Law, to fence a Wild Animal off from water access. The BLM is good at only two things; LYING and KILLING HORSES! Both of course as an act of “MERCY”!
LikeLike
I seem to remember the water issue has something to due with the Taylor Grazing Act. Undeveloped water vs. water developed at the expense of the allotment lessees. I still want to know the policies on diversions of historic waterways/catchments on the portions of HMAs without leases, and whether the BLM has any responsibility regarding protecting and/or developing those waters for the wild ones.
The states manage water within their boundaries, but the feds are involved when the water is interstate. “Water wars” are eventually solved after MANY contentious years by compromises, settlements and compacts. Exception – when federally-declared environmental protection or endangered species are an issue. Then it’s fast-tracked and water users have little or no recourse.
Question – if an allotment is abandoned by the lessee as unsuitable for livestock grazing or deemed unsuitable by the BLM, does it remain on the BLM’s books in case it becomes viable sometime in the future? Is that a justification for keeping fences up?
LikeLike
Also, the feds are immediately involved if First Peoples (aka Native Americans. Sorry folks, but I don’t believe you “evolved” in the accepted DNA sense after you crossed the land bridge, so I use the Canadian terminology.) are part of the mix, since the BIA holds reservation land “in trust”.
LikeLike
Should have said “if First Peoples have a claim on the water”. Brain lock!
LikeLike
I am crushed! I am damaged now and completely heartbroken!! I can’t even be rational right now I am so upset! I want to jump in that judges face and scream and yell at him…”you’ve just helped blown away MORE innocent horses & little burros and mother’s with their babies.” He could’ve stopped it for awhile. BUT NO! HE CANNOT STAND IN THE WAY OF BIG OIL, AND GAS. I should not have posted, I’m just too overwhelmed by this news. I’m happy Laura will be there. I hope those sly bastards of the BLM don’t try to trick her or anything. I will be waiting. And btw, Laura…you are the EPITOME of a truly dedicated strong-willed woman. You don’t just “talk big”…..YOU CHARGE IN FULL STEAM AHEAD. You are a hero, and I love you very much for everything you have been doing. Susie
LikeLike
I agree…The Judge caved in to the BLM and their lies. If these horses had no water to begin with, what the heck did they think was going to happen the other day..WELL HORSES DIED. It is careless and heartless and for the Judge to allow this to continue tomorrow, he is JUST AS BAD AS THEY ARE. He knows about the other deaths and therefore should have said NO……Just keep bringing them water and wait for the fall, not that I want it at all…I am sorry, this is the way I feel….Allowing Laura to observe will make no difference, it is just a way of giving us a litlle piece. As usual something is ROTTEN in the BLM…$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
LikeLike
And the drought conditions was not in their reasons for the round up. The reasons were ranchers whining about their fences (what rancher doesn’t have to repair fences, btw) and the trout in the river, damage to the range and riparian areas. I do not believe drought conditions is anywhere in their reasons. They took a horrible situation (running horses to extreme hydration levels and then causing water intoxication) and turned it into the horses ARE dehydrated and must be rounded up. I cannot believe this judge did not see through this. The BLM manufactured this emergency situation. We need a good investigative reporter. I hope one is allowed to accompany Laura.
LikeLike
I am sorry but I consider most of this a set back for the horses..They will still die..Laura will document that…but BLM has made the case..now in court..that horses must be removed because of severe drought..that will effect every other lawsuit we present..We needed PROOF-and we don’t have it..Lets start focusing on that..documenting..NOW.. water sources and range fences..or we are not going to stop any of these..The horses won NOTHING today.
LikeLike
So, since the BLM was successful with tactic..you can expect them to use it again..drive horses to dry water holes, claim they are dieing of thirst and they will win every time..It does no good to file a lawsuit without proof in your hand..the burden of proof in on the plaintiff-not the defendant..The BLM can make any statement they want to..we have to PROVE they are lying.
LikeLike
Start documenting. This part of the ruling will be appealed, and we will need that documentation. We probably should start documenting the other two herds in this threesome since the BLM will use the same argument, and we need to be able to show that they are lying.
And remember, they won’t be able to have the entire first day in secret like they did here. If they DID – “if,” HA! – do something underhanded with the horses in secret, they won’t be able to do it again.
LikeLike
This is basically true but we have the right to observe. It is not over. We will keep doing all we can…
We want to be in the field to document the horses before the roundups. We have done some of this without any help and some with the kind donation of a generous but tiny group of people. Please help us go back out and keep doing our work. Help Laura get back out to see horses. There needs to be funds raised now. Please help Herd Watch. mar
LikeLike
It’t not all bad. We have a humane observer and by God we have’t been allowed that since Dec. If she can document more atorcities perhaps the judge will rethink his position.
This is gonna be super tough on Laura. She’s going to be there on her own with no support. We need to let her know we are there in spirit and will be thinking of her daily.
Even though it isn’t a clear victory for the horses, we have that victory in CO from last year. Now the BLM wants to do the roundup eventhough the judge told them last year NO. And more lawsuits are being filed.
It isn’t going to be pretty this summer. Be prepared for some very disturbing news. But it might be the end of the BLM managing the wild ones if all they can do is harm them.
Just a thought but we might want to contact someone in the GAO or such.
LikeLike
Margaret – BLM claims by posting the “new” policy manual on their website that they have satisfied ALL of GAOs list of requirements now and are quite proud of them selves. Go to their web site an read it – but beware of gaaging reflex as you read.
I wonder if this is even close to true that they have indeed satisfied all of GAOs requirements?
LikeLike
Laura is not alone. I made sure of this… she has good people with her. mar
LikeLike
Mar, I’m so glad to hear that Laura will not be alone. I know she’s tough but there is a limit to what one person alone can hold on their shoulders. Thank you for this.
LikeLike
Many thanks, R.T., for the news and to Laura.
God bless the horses in the awful heat during the roundups. I just read a vet report that dehydration causes colic and of course heat stokes.
Too bad the BLN got away with more lies.
LikeLike
Can we read the transcript of the hearing somewhere. It seemed at first that the judge was “with us”.
I still can’t do the audio. Phoo.
LikeLike
Ok, we did not get all we wanted. But this is a good start.
Laura will be there! And she will see this judge again, and it appears, she is developing a good relationship with him.
Just is, the judge only had the BLM’s input as no independent observers have been allowed. But NOW there will be!
The BLM now has NO power over an observer. And the BLM must be soooooo po’d!
Hope we can be assured the BLM is still providing tanks of water to the horses BEFORE the brutal chase!
Go Laura! And bless you and thank you from my heart. I can only imagine what this experience must have been like.
LikeLike
It is not the independant observer who will stop the roundups..its the people who go in there before these gathers start and before lawsuits are filed. who collect evidence that can be used in a court of law to stop them..The observers are able to document the carnge at the corrals-thats it..it is important..so that we can all see..BUT did that affect the outcome of the Calico lawsuit??/NO..What is our purpose?
LikeLike
Yes, Sandra.. and it helped get this far because we went to these 3 HMAs and saw what is going on. We will continue this way. I also agree we did not win and the BLM did because this will make others think BLM is justified. Same old BS. But we will get out and see them all now and know what is what. mar
LikeLike
Remember how long Wild Horse Annie had to fight before she won.
LikeLike
Actually, the BLM has all the power over the observers..upcoming roundups are putting observers 1/4 a mile away from the corrals..so bring your binocs and telephoto lenses.
LikeLike
If they put her too far away where she can’t appropriately document what is going on Laura can file another grievance. Sure she won’t be popular with the locals. But they have a job to do and if they will do theirs there shouldn’t be any discussions. A quarter of a mile away is not allowing a humane observer to do her work. It’s like Elyse has said. She wants to be able to count respirations, she wants to be able to see the gather from the air. How hot are the horses? And what kind of care is being given them?
I rejoice in knowing that Laura will be our eyes now. We didn’t have this at Calico.
LikeLike
THanks RT, Better news, and sending good energy for Laura and the horses as always.
At least the BLM will have to be careful if there is oversight, and the best thing is that finally a judge has ruled for common sense and humanity.
LikeLike
I’m so happy to read a synopsis of the hearing. I hope Laura can take pictures showing that they are in good shape before the “gather”
Would this judge be able to deal with the fencing issue. I guess that is another law suit.
But this helps tremendously.
LikeLike
The BLM has already stated the horses are in good condition-a 4/5 rating
LikeLike
Well, not the best of news, but who is watching the horses
now? This afternoon?
Is the helicopter up now and no one is telling us.?
Wow, to only have a government we could trust…
LikeLike
I e-mailed the Editor of the Desert Independent who wrote the good artcle on the Gather. He answered an appreciated the comment. Let’s keep him in the loop.
Subject: Re: Mustangs “gather”
Date: 7/16/2010 3:21:51 P.M. Central Daylight Time
From: SVMARVBART@aol.com
Reply To:
To: desertinde-bob@yahoo.com
CC:
BCC:
Sent on:
LikeLike
Laura, You did get your place to represent the rest of us though much hard work and effectiveness and that cannot be devalued in any way. You are so appreciated! Way to go and best wishes tomorrow and going forward.
BLM should be required to allow observers period. Why is the judge only allowing one person?
Sorry to be a downer – but we did not “win” anything. We already had the right to be there. BLM trashed our rights and the freedom of the press and all the judge did was sort of reinstate it by saying, ok this one woman can be the “press”.
Having said that, tremendous work by Laura and everyone else involved!
LikeLike
True. The BLM subverts the law, then forces individual citizen-advocates and others to “buy back” or “sue for” their rights or the horses themselves! Everywhere, everytime!
It is truly an abomination.
Can any of this ruling be appealed? Can the statement of the BLM RE: the dought (is it not because of fencing? Is that accurate?) be part of an appeal for this ruling?
Must Laura go alone into this observer’s mission? Or can she take those will will assist her?
LikeLike
If the judge ruled that Laura can be there because of first amendment rights since she is a reporter and the public, it means that this round up is open to the public and the media. One cannot rule the 1st amendment rights only apply to Laura (glad she;ll be there of course),Either the public and media’s 1st amendment rights have been violated or not, not just a violation of one person out of that public.
LikeLike
Laura L. thank you so much!! for fighting in court for the wild horses and for the right to observe them!
BLM we will never give up, YOU the BLM are ‘herded’ by thousands of people, keep running blm don’t look back or you’ll fall or overheat!or your shoes will wear off!
LikeLike
Some great evidence against the BLM would be some good VERY CLEAR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE WATERING AREAS …. SHOWING THAT OUR HORSES ARE BEING FENCED AWAY SO THEY CANT EVEN GET NEAR THE WATER TO GET THEMSELVES A DRINK!!! The horses would NOT “die from dehyhdration” like the BLM lied, if they could access the water!
LikeLike
Susie, When people come back who will tell us the truth then we will know how this all happened. Most of the fencing that has kept the horses to this area is north or south. There is a canyon that they can go through to get down to the river. If they are not going … why are they not going? This should not have happened and the horses obviously have needed water improvements for years if they have only 2 sources in the area in summer. I just don’t buy any of this. mar
LikeLike
Mar, you have pictures you took of this area?
LikeLike
BLM has stated there are 23 water sources on this HMA..I want to see pictures of all of them..they have a handful of pics up on their website after this debacle..no captions as to where these water sources are actually located..and not 23 pictures either..one is a full small reservoir. WE need our own pictures and locations..prior to all roundups..we need to stop them from using this ploy again..lets get ahead of them..instead of always bringing up the rear.
LikeLike
Susie, go to the BLM web site and watch the brazen video tape BLM has done for this area – they actually show the fences and the water!
Then they blame the horses for damage to the riparian ways while at the same time testifying that it is the cattle because the horses broke down the fence, from the transcript:
“Gregg Simonds, Ranch Manager, Squaw Valley Ranch: And basically, it’s largely private land in here, and the horses have left the HMA and they are constantly breaking down the fence and coming into this area. And it makes it really hard for us to get the right kind of prescription grazing to provide the rest in this area when the fences are broken down almost on a daily basis.”
What I want to know is this – if 60% of the horses reside outside the HMA as this video claims, where did the wild horses reside e in 1971?
And was any of this area once an HMA that was taken away?
Last, have they just admitted that they already ran horses from the private property outside the HMA to theses dried up water holes? Following from the transcript:
“Dave Overcast, BLM Tuscarora Field Manager: …In the Rock Creek HMA, the key issues are overpopulation and a large number of wild horses that moved outside the HMA. The appropriate management level for the Rock Creek HMA is 150-250 wild horses. Currently there are about 600 horses on, and outside of, the HMA.
Wild horses don’t recognize boundaries. They will travel far and wide to find water and food, and even break through fences on private property to get what they need. 60 percent of the Rock Creek horses reside outside the HMA.”
Isn’t this also an admission on BLMs own web site that they do NOT stand around water holes???????
Explicative, explicative, explicative!!!!!!!!!
LikeLike
Mar has been to this area and has photos showing the extensive mining, oboveground pipes and traffic and people who have driven the horses off of this HMA…This is what constitutes proof, evidence that can be put before a judge to counter the claims the BLM is making..thats what was needed in the case of the Owyhee horses..proof that there were water sources available for the horses.. proof that water sources were fenced off from the horses….then show the Judge the timelines of when Catoors flew out in the days before..to “locate” where the wild horses were…get their flight logs…lets see where they flew and for how long..you have to paint that picture for the judge..don’t speculate- offer him some evidence so he can make a decision in favor of the horses.
LikeLike
I’m willing to tread on a subject I’m pretty ignorant about but don’t most mining operations require a lot of water? It seems every time I’ve seen videos of mines there is water being spewed everywhere. Anyone know more than me (that wouldn’t be hard 🙂 )
LikeLike
One of the things we have been posting about this winter on Barrick Gold in Nevada is how very much water is being used by these mines. The process they use is a recovery process and it highly pollutes all the water they use which is far more than this arid state should be using at the rate it is. In the Owyhee HMA the cattle still rule, but in Rock Creek and Little Humboldt HMAs the mines have taken over and are moving north towards Owyhee. The cattle will be moved, but they can go somewhere else. These wild herds have been held captive on their own lands but 425 wild horses are part of this series of roundups because they have gone ‘off HMA’ and are known to be the wild horses from Rock Creek and Little Humboldt (I do not know if any are Owyhee horses). They will round them up and take them all. I do not think we can do anything for them unless we could still find them a place with good water and forage on their HMAs. The fact they have left speaks for that. Their lands are ‘in use’ and no one shared any profits or any resources (that belonged to these horses), with them. mar
LikeLike
So won;t the BLM say the exact same thing for the other 2 HMAs? That drought is the reason they need to be removed? Glad Laura will be there to see what is happening–they’d better let her get close, but one person is not the press or the public.
LikeLike
The advocates hopefully will have a chance to document the other two ranges and present the judge with photographic evidence of what is really going on.
Laure is not going to be out there alone. I’m sure as many will make it if it’s humanly possible. Wish I could be there.
LikeLike
Thanks RT. The only danger to the horses is THE BLM.
Glad Laura can be there, yet I wish the judge stopped them all together – I wonder if he saw Jane’s link to the video of her show ? I wonder if he truly knows what these horses are going thru ? Can we ever find a judge that will not side with the government ? I wonder. Thank you Laura for your hard work. You are their guardian angel.
LikeLike
It is very small step in the right direction, they Judge needs to be the voice that the vast majority of America is speaking, that is ” let them be free” and Put an end to the Oil, Gas and Cattle choke hold on our public lands……. I will hold them all in my heart…….
LikeLike
Someone said a while back about contacting ACLU.
I think that time is now. How can a judge allow only one person and call that providing adherance to the First Amendment?
The more I think about it the more rediculous this whole scene is becoming.
This is not a war zone, where multiple reporters would be allowed. There is not Homeland Security Risk, big secret stuff (other than BLM’s acitvities) or anything of that nature.
BLM is simply barring the first amendment.
LikeLike
It is either a violation of everyone’s 1st amendment rights or it is not. The judge, by ruling that Laura’s 1st amendment rights have been violated, basically says all of our were.
LikeLike
Many thanks to Laura and everyone who worked on this. Bottom line – it is very difficult to navigate the courts when you’re dealing with the BLM as they are pathologic liars AND opportunists. The judge in the In Defense of Animals case said the attorneys should’ve filed an appeal and that would’ve stopped the round-up. An appeal needs to be filed on this case immediately so we don’t make the same mistake twice. Not that it will STOP anything because we will probably just hit another roadblock, but we are learning along the way AND will have a humane observer present. I know the BLM could care less about mustangs having water; too many have died of thirst already while the BLM was busy with their meetings and agenda. As usual, the horses weren’t dying at Tuscarora until the BLM and Catoor showed up. We need the media and to keep up the pressure on the White House! The HSUS and ASPCA are now on OUR side! This round-up is going to be a bloodbath and will outrage even more people. I hate to say it but I am beginning to feel the horses are better off dead than in the hands of the BLM and at their “mercy.”
LikeLike
I have additional comments on this topic, but for tonight let’s embrace Laura’s “boot in the gate” and lend her our support.
We need to appreciate every baby step that we make, but rest assured, I will be back in the morning with “attitude” fully locked and loaded…not at the judge, but at the corrupt BLM and their despicable actions.
Remember, please, this is an on going case and this judge IS our friend…and we need to keep it that way.
Keep the faith, my friends.
LikeLike
RT I totally am with you on this. It might not have been a huge victory but each time the BLM sticks their foot into it–we have to document it. Then when we think we have enough “real” evidence we can take it to court. Please note–before yesterday all we had was “he said, she said, I said, you said”–and now we have Bob Abbey going back on his word to the judge. There still may be fall out over that one that we haven’t heard about yet.
We have one observer folks. Let’s not ruin that by talking bad about it. Sure Laura needs help and support. But one woman can make a difference.
LikeLike
Thank you RT.
I am so glad Laura will be there!
LikeLike
And, we will appeal. If anyone wants to help us, you can donate at http://grassrootshorse.com. Instructions are on the home page.
LikeLike
We need someone who is savvy on using Google earth, that can use maps of the HMAs, and get the google images of water sources, they have a new terrain application that may be helpful..I used a hybred app and zoomed in..then get photos..It would be time well spent, and contribute greatly to the cause.
LikeLike
sandra, as far as I can tell, only using bing maps, most of Nevada is not posted. If it has been flown over and photographed someone or some agency is keeping it from the posts. I’m checking our geomaps (forget thename) now – maybe more there. I’ll try Google earth.
LikeLike
Thanks..I will admit I am not techno-savy..but can get a mikgogo session with my brother who is..I just figure there are alot of you who “get” that stuff..
LikeLike
I downloaded Google earth – they do have a lot – and added thier plug in which give great 3-D immages – so we’l see. I will play with it some more – need some reference points though.
Will try plugging in some Townships and Ranges and see what happens.
Anyone know exaclty where some of these water holes are? I would try those.
LikeLike
Laura Leigh, you rock! And everyone who supported her. She is a true heroine of the wild horses. My immense gratitude to you for your courage, fortitude and incredible heart. ♡
LikeLike
latest TCF press release:
Court sees Each Roundup as Separate—Allows Leigh Access to Roundup
Reno, NV (July 15, 2010) — (TCF) First Amendment rights are upheld for wild horse advocate and journalist, Laura Leigh, Field Manager of Herd Watch, a Cloud Foundation program. Federal Judge Hicks strikes victory today despite his order to proceed with the Owyhee roundup. The other pending roundups in the complex such as Rock Creek and Little Humbolt have been acknowledged as separate events.
“This ruling was made by a judge that is obviously willing to listen,” said Laura Leigh. “He does not want the deaths of 75% of the horses in Owyhee on his heart and mind. As an advocate I completely understand why he ruled the way he did. However please take note that this judge recognizes that these areas are three separate areas and not the single event BLM has claimed. He ruled without predjudice to hearing my argument in his courtroom for Rock Creek and Little Humbolt as separate events. And he ruled with an absolute recognition of the reason our forefathers made the First amendment first. A free press is vital to the system of government accountability in a Democratic society. I am on my way to Owyhee…. We are not done with making a stand for these amazing beings that are such a vital symbol of American Freedom.”
The First Amendment protects the fundamental right of individuals including the press and journalists to gather information that are matters of public interest so as to provide that information to the interested public. When the BLM shut off the gather areas from public viewing they violated this concept, at least this is what federal Judge Larry Hicks conveyed in his Order.
Judge Hicks struck down the BLM’s blanket closure of public lands in the Gather area. He agreed with Laura Leigh that this “closure” amounted to a prior restraint on her First Amendment rights because she would not be able to observe and report on the health of the horses and the BLM’s management of the gather.
Assuming the BLM would fairly comply, this ruling brings back the “watchdog” concept which allows the public to observe the BLM’s activities in scheduled wild horse roundups.
“This is a victory for all member of the press. Laura Leigh took on the burden of anyone who was denied access. Now, any member of the public may have access,” explains Gordon Cowan the attorney for Leigh.
# # #
LikeLike
Thank god she will be there..Does the judge get all the evidence that disputes BLM’s case? Yes i am grateful that Laura will be there…I really want the helicopter to go away.
LikeLike
I have been wishing the same thing.
LikeLike
Roxy, Midas is a reference point. We were looking, too. It is at the south end of the herd management areas. Also, find the south fork of the Owyhee River.
LikeLike
Didn’t the BLM state that the wild horses were in good condition? If there is no water wouldn’t all the wild horses be dead by now? Can’t someone get an aerial photos of exactly where the water sources are and if they are ALL fenced in? (Maybe Laura could be inside the helicopter to document the water situation). If there truly is no water out there, why? Did the BLM fence it in? Couldn’t the judge just order them to take the fences down? Did the BLM eliminate the water themselves? Why didn’t they use the excuse of no water for the roundup? Can’t they either have water stations or make a new water hole and leave the wild horses where they are? Is the judge looking into why there may be no water? If this is an emergency, will the horses be given water until they can provide water in the Owyhee area and then put them back? How can they replace the wild horses with cattle if there is no water or do they want the land for something else? Will the BLM secretly go out and eliminate the water in the other 2 wild horse areas so they can play the judge like they did today? Or make sure none of the wild horses in future roundups have no water since this strategy seems to have worked? Can anyone else besides Laura observe? So many questions and we can’t rely on the BLM for the answers. I believe NOTHING the BLM says anymore. Sorry, I don’t think of this as a victory but thanks Laura just the same. Well done.
LikeLike
If the horses are in imminent danger of dying of dehydration, they are in no condition to withstand a helicopter round up. Only responsible ruling would be to suspend the round up and haul in more water.
LikeLike
Exactly! Bring H20!!! Don’t run’em to death claiming this will save them from dying!
LikeLike
this is part of the post on the BLM website re: Judge Hicks’ decision, different interpretation from BLM and was Laura able to get to Owyhee in time for the roundup today?
part of post on BLM’s NV state site:
Judge Hicks held a hearing Thursday afternoon to hear final arguments regarding a motion filed to stop the Tuscarora gather. In addition to ruling that the gather could go forward, Judge Hicks ruled that BLM’s current temporary closure of the public lands during the gather is too broad, but held that BLM had a responsibility to protect the health and safety of the public, its employees and agents, and the horses during the gather, and that BLM could impose a reasonable closure.
“The BLM is pleased that the decision of the court that will allow us to move forward with the Tuscarora emergency rescue gather, which is necessary to prevent the mortality of the wild horses that are currently suffering from water starvation and dehydration.” said Ron Wenker, BLM Nevada State Director.
After the ruling, the BLM gather contractor initiated operations and brought in 54 wild horses which are suffering from water starvation/dehydration.
LikeLike
If the BLM stated previously the horses are all in 4-5 rating condition, how can they now say they are starving. My head is spinning. I literally cannot keep up with their spin machine.
LikeLike
go to their site and read the whole thing; they are amazing, they are. spinning for all they are worth. No mention of the fact that he split the roundup into 3 parts, and only the owyhee part is going forth right now. how anyone can believe anything they say is beyond me.
LikeLike
The BLM and my composter machine have a lot in common–you put in garbage and spin it and out comes manure
LikeLike
If the BLM placed water guzzlers and water developments in the Pryor Mountain wild horse area why are they not doing such in this area?
Off to GoogleEarth to see what I can see.
Oh, here is the Wild Horse Legal Defense fund where you can donate to help Laura Leigh with legal expenses.
http://www.grassrootshorse.com/
LikeLike
the report from BLM’s “review team??!!” is also on the website, more of the same BLMese.
LikeLike
Do you have an e-mail address for this judge. I would like to commend him for his help.
I looked him up and learned his history, but nowhere was a contact site.
LikeLike
He is in the middle of the case. He still has to rule on the other 2 roundups.
LikeLike
I’m pretty late to the dance today. Which part of the First Amendment did the judge rule had been violated? Sorry if this has already been asked and answered.
LikeLike
Linda, Freedom of the press – so observers WILL be allowed. I’ll cheer once they observers actually are allowed by BLM. They haave disobied court rulings before. Sorry I’m so negative.
LikeLike
Laura, thank you! Put on some “Three Dog Night” and listen to “On the Road to Shambala”.
LikeLike
latest BLM update:
Gather operations began at 6:30 a.m. By 8:30 a.m., 107 animals were gathered and temperatures were at 79 degrees F. Auditors from the Office of the Inspector General are at the gather today. One foal was euthanized due to complications related to water starvation/dehydration.
75 studs were shipped to Gunnison Prison Wild Horse Training Facility at the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, Utah. The Utah State Veterinarian will be at the facility to check the animals on arrival.
Gathered: 107 (by 8:30 a.m.) Deaths: 1, Total deaths 14
Total shipped: 112 (37 mares and foals to PVC; 75 studs to Gunnison
LikeLike
Jan and SWH,
SWH said; “If the BLM stated previously the horses are all in 4-5 rating condition, how can they now say they are starving. My head is spinning. I literally cannot keep up with their spin machine.”
If they are moving horses that were in danger of dying terrible deaths only last night then they are either doing pretty good (the Horses) or they are being further tortured by the stresses of the haul on top of their ordeal. To think there is no one to tell us! I think we ought to be asking the prison to release a statement describing the condition of these horses on arrival and request they please tell us if any of these horses die. I hope they will find good homes and not ever be put through anything like this again. Thanks to them for taking them, also. But will they remain and be trained?? I hope they will tell us something. mar
LikeLike
Mar, I saw something somewhere (Oh, how everything runs together!) that prison-trained horses were being offered at $1,000+ starting bid. Don’t remember which prison. I’ll try to dig up the info.
Sure hope these stallions (soon to be geldings – ages unknown, which really concerns me) will be trained to a level that they will be sought after by adopters and become valued members of loving families.
LikeLike
Just found it. Turns out the bids start at $150 (what happened to $125?). When you scroll to the end, it mentions average bids are MUCH higher. I did read an article about the Canon City, CO, program that stated the bids started at $1,025, but I think the reporter must have misunderstood. Probably another “average”.
Please note the good photos and brief but positive descriptions. Also “up to 120 days” of training. What happened to 90 days and out? Maybe a special dispensation. I can only think of Patricia losing the horses she had worked so hard to gentle after 90 days. Why not 120 days or more for them? The BLM/USFS is SO screwed up!
Click to access SaddleHorseAdoptionCatalogWSWHBExpoaugust2010.pdf
LikeLike
Linda, saddle trained horses from Canon City are over $1000, the $125 adoption fee to BLM and the rest to Canon City Correctional institution for the training. halter trained horses are offered at different amounts over the adoption fee.
LikeLike
Linda, The longer trainning the better chance a horse has of getting adopted and being a success along with being kept that average 6 years or more by the owner.mar
Jan, What state had a roundup??? mar
LikeLike
Please, please, please if there’s anyone that can follow up on the “rumor” I read today that the cattlemen had gone in and fenced off all the watering holes to help set up this crap about them dying from lack of water and the BLM hauling it in (but they wouldn’t drink it???) let the rest of us know if it’s true – especially Laura Leigh and her lawyer. I have no proof – just read it this morning. I would not put them past this type of tactic in with the cattlemen – and the cattlemen have NO LEGAL RIGHT to fence off water holes on PUBLIC LAND – screw their lease agreements! Somebody help? The idea is ludicrous that the BLM didn’t know the water was an issue till Laura Leigh’s suit was filed (and they’ve been monitoring and gathering since January?! Please!). You can go to WildHorsesandBurrosSupportGroup on Facebook or email me at jadehawks@yahoo.com – Thanks for your help in advance!
LikeLike