Horse News

Feds and Contractor Caught Conducting Covert Wild Horse Stampede

(The News as We See It) by R.T. Fitch

Advocates Catch Feds and Dave Cattoor with their Pants Down

USFWS&BLM/Cattors covertly loading and shipping wild horses from Sheldon ~ Photo by Katie Fite

While law makers and the American public had their eyes concentrated on the much contested Silver King round up in Nevada the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) along with helicopter contractor David Cattoor where conducting an unpublished and unannounced secret wild horse gather at the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (Sheldon).

Plaintiff in several suits against the BLM for lack of transparency and violation of First Amendment Rights, Laura Leigh , was tipped off that there was illicit activity taking place at Sheldon as many roads were closed due to a “wild horse gather”.

On September 22, 2010 Ms. Leigh discussed this situation with wild horse advocate Leslie Peeples, who was already on the road to visit another wild horse herd, and Ms. Peeples immediately changed plans and headed to Sheldon to investigate as no such “gather” was indicated in any public records.

On the morning of Sept. 23, 2010 Ms. Peeples phoned the Lakeview office of the USFWS and when asked if a wild horse gather was being conducted she was told, “yes”.

Cattoor Truck at Sheldon ~ Photo by Leslie Peeples

Ms. Peeples headed out to Sheldon on back roads when she encountered an oncoming semi-truck with a livestock trailer being towed behind it at a reasonable speed.  Ms. Peeples intended to ask the driver where the stampede was taking place so she pulled her car over to the side of the road and stepped out into her lane of traffic to flag the driver down for information.  Upon seeing this, according to filed court documents, the truck driver aimed for the center of the road, speeded up and missed running over Ms. Peoples by only inches.

“It is my opinion based on clear observations at the time that, had I not moved out of the way, the truck would have hit me,”  stated Ms. Peeples, “As it turns out, the truck which passed by me was loaded with, what I am informed and believe to be wild horses from the Sheldon gather.”

Same Truck at Twin Peaks ~ Photo by Terry Fitch

Photos verify that said truck was owned by BLM helicopter stampede contractor, David Cattoor.  One photo was taken by Ms. Peeples at Sheldon and the other by Terry Fitch at Twin Peaks.  They both match.

Subsequently, upon heading further up the road, Ms. Peeples was barred access to public lands and told that the stampede was not published because “We like to keep things low and quiet”.  Likewise when Ms. Peeples inquired about viewing the horses at the holding facility she was told that it was on private land and that she would not be allowed.

Upon departing Sheldon and with the resumption of cell service Ms. Peeples did make contact with the USFWS Lakeview Regional Office (Lakeview Office) and spoke with a Mr. Paul Steblien who confirmed that a wild horse roundup was taking place and that 400 horses would be stampeded.  Further information relayed by Mr. Steblien indicated that the horses would be transferred to the Dufferina Refuge Headquarters and that 250 of the captured horses would forever lose their freedom while 150 would be “vasectomized” and “ovarectomized” and returned to the refuge.  Mr. Steblien did agree to escort Ms. Peeples into the gather area the following day.

Ms. Peeples then headed to the Dufferina Headquarters to further search for information regarding this secret stampede.  Unfortunately no one was available at the office so she continued down the road to locate a place to take her dog for a walk.

Horse Bones near subversive burying pit near roundup wild horse holding facility ~ Photo by Leslie Peeples

Once outside of her car she began to notice skeletal horse remains scattered on the ground, as she began to investigate and walk further away from the road the bones became more numerous  until she came upon a freshly dug pit.  Nearby was what appeared to be another pit that was freshly covered with numerous bones scattered throughout the area.

“There were horse bones scattered everywhere. I photographed what I observed…”, Peeples said.

As she headed back to her car she heard horses whinnying.  She walked towards the direction of the calls and discovered a holding facility with approximately 250 horses confined.  There was no signage indicating area restrictions.  Likewise, she witnessed parked in the area what she believed was the same truck that tried to run her over, earlier.  There were no humans at the facility.

Chopper violating FAA Safety Regulations ~ Photo by Leslie Peeples

While walking back up the hill towards her car she could hear the roar of helicopter blades which as she proceeded and crested the hill she observed the helicopter hovering just a few dozen feet above the roof of her car.  Once her physical presence was reveled the chopper pilot aggressively turned the aircraft in her direction and hovered directly over her with little more than 30 feet of safe clearance.

“At this point the helicopter was so close I could see the pilot’s face and his facial features appeared angry”, said Peeples.

As the unsettled Ms. Peeples attempted to make her way to the car the aircraft continued his aggressive actions and orbited around her at an estimated distance of only 60 feet.  Even while in the car and attempting to drive away the chopper continued to harass her until she stopped and shot another picture which, then, caused the aircraft to depart the area.

Relentless helicopter attack againest taxpaying U.S. Citzen ~ Photo by Leslie Peeples

Ms. Peeples pulled over to gather her composure and exited her vehicle for some fresh air only to have the chopper return, again, to harass her.  Once more the camera proved to be an effective weapon in deterring the marauding helicopter.

The level of harassment did not let up as soon Ms. Peeples was accosted by a USFWS Ranger and the following day her “escort” was canceled due to her unexpected presence on public land the day before.

Ms. Peeples has and will submit to the court her video and photographic documentation of the events laid out in this brief article.

 

182 replies »

  1. i wish someone big could stand up to these bullies who get away with taking our wild horses and doing whatever they damn well please with them!! they think they are above the law!! and so far they are getting away with it!! makes me so mad!! i don’t want my tax dollars to fund this!! we need some big wigs to get involved!!

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    • I am sending more money (Herd Watch and Grass Roots Horse and for Laura) and I challenge each one of you to do the same because without people in the field we do not know anything!

      Leslie I am grateful to you for your guts and tenacity. This is what it takes and you have been strong and so brave. The burial pits must have been disturbing and I do hope one day the story will be told how and why these horses came to be there. You have seen much and come through unscathed, thank goodness. These decision makers should be relieved of their jobs. We have to expect more of this activity and defiance toward the public and advocacy. Our wild horses are truly in danger at all times.

      Thanks for your presence and courage. mar

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  2. I’m not an FOIA expert, but it seems to me that information could be gathered to show many, many of these types of round ups that have occured outside of the public’s knowledge. I’m sure there must be documentation to prove that the Cattoors received payment for these unnannounced “gathers,” where they transpired and so on. The government has to keep records of all expenditures to rationalize budgeting for the next fiscal year.
    As for Leslie … I had to stop reading this article at the point where the truck almost ran you down. I had to go outside and breathe and stop shaking before coming back in and finishing the post. This is so scary, and I want you to know, Leslie, that my heart and prayers are with you. I can only imagine how terrifying this experience must have been — alone, in the middle of nowhere and scared for your life. To me, this is nothing less than attempted murder.

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    • Joey, I’m totally with you on this and sooo glad Leslie wasn’t hurt. Yes, these people should be brought up on charges. We should also be able to sue BLM for CRUALTY TO ANIMALS!!!!!!! They are the ones that hire these_ _ _people
      people get mad at me for saying anything about BLM,” Oh, ours is good, they wouldn’t do that! My B—. They are government run & they’ll do as they please.
      I will continue to send letters for our horses but I’m praying hard to God also.
      This incident with Leslie sure goes to show that no one is safe on PUBLIC LANDS WHEN CLOSE TO A ROUND UP, LEGALE OR NOT!!!
      Thank you Leslie for all that you do for our Mustangs. Please do us that love you a favor, Never go out alone again, please. These people ARE DANGERUS

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    • Threatening a person with a vehicle is assault with a deadly weapon. Maybe the same for charge for the assault with the helicopter. Did you file a complaint with the Sheriff/ DA office?

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  3. Now, if THIS doesn’t get the attention of the courts and our so called representatives in DC, what is it going to take? Will the BLM have to actually KILL an advocate before anything is done?

    I have NEVER been SO DISGUSTED in my life!

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  4. Just when is self-defense justified in cases like this? This is like something out of the movies but it is real and happened to an innocent person. You can only imagine how terrified the horses are but Leslie can tell us how she felt. How terrible.

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    • Dead on Barbara! (pun intended)

      If they would do this to a human, just exactly what do you think they would do to weaker, non-talking life forms? Actually, I guess all of us here do KNOW what they do….and the documentation just keeps piling up!

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  5. Excussssseeee meeeee! But didn’t Sheldon just recently get butchered by these scum??????

    I think it was 18 to 28 months ago wasn’t it? Wasn’t this also conducted as a mystery roundup (Sheldon)? Maybe I’m getting this confused with other NV “mystery stampedes”.

    Excellent documentation and effort…if this judge doesn’t do right by the wild ones and the American taxpayer….SUE HIM AND HIS LOPSIDED COURTROOM!!!!!

    That takes guts to in to the path of a butchers semi. I wouldn’t have done it….I would have videod til the “cows came home”.

    Good job warriors!

    p.s. Can anyone imagine how long this abuse has really been going on before the utilization of the internet and the formation/committment of our warriors?!?! Makes my skin crawl to think of how many years these butchering wild (and probably domestic) equine killers have been roaming with out ANY ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!

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  6. Can you imagine how angry the killers were when the found out the warriors were figuring out what was going on and actually showed up?!? Priceless!

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  7. Damn! I know that’s not a very ‘intelligent’ remark, but I’m not sure I have words for what I’m feeling right now..

    Leslie, I can not even imagine how scared you were. Bless your heart! To actually ‘live’ something like that, feeling that they really could have hurt you, or worse!

    Thank you for being there and I’m Thanking God that you’re safe.

    Seriously, if THIS doesn’t get anyone’s attention, I don’t know what will. I agree.. attempted murder.. intent to do bodily harm..

    I always say to you all, when you ‘head out’; to PLEASE be safe.. I’m not sure if you CAN be safe, now?

    I’m so entirely OVER this B.S. Some how, some way there HAS to be MORE of us ‘out there’. More than ‘they’ know what to do with. If Leslie wasn’t alone, that would have never happened. Or, I HOPE not. But, I’m talking 50, 100 or MORE of ‘US’ need to show up in FORCE… Maybe we could harass them with their life?

    This just fires me up even more, and I HOPE all of you too! Nobody messes with my ‘Family’ and gets away with it!

    Please hang in there, Leslie.. We’re here for you..

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  8. Laura you and the ladies are doing a wonderful job. The only way to fight this rogue agency is in a court/judge that is not afraid of the Feds. Our horses are important and we all will fight for them. No doubt they have been doing this for sometime. I would get a court order to dig up that area where Ms. Peeples found the skeltons as it would be very damaging to the BLM. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

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  9. Someone needs to secure the location and examine the remains in the “Pit” asap. A classic “Smoking Gun”. Hats off to the folks involved in this. Great Americans all!

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  10. Thank you Leslie for standing tall while in an such a dangerous situation. Personal danger seems to be escalating. I’m so glad that your camera worked as a means of protection. Any of these actions by Cattoors company could have had a different outcome. How dare Federal officials ask YOU questions. Its US that have a lot of questions for THEM. Judge Hicks this is the time you need to stand up and make a loud statement for all the people who see things that are wrong in this country and try to fix them using the system. WE do not resort to terror tactics, we use the system that is in place. And to think these are the people who show up armed to protect themselves against us.

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  11. This is criminal activity by the truck driver and the helicopter pilot. I hope, Leslie, that you have notified the offices of the local District Attorney and the U.S. Attorney to file a report. I know there are people here who will say that does no good, but as Laura is demonstrating with the Grassroots lawsuit, this kind of conduct needs to be made public and prosecuted. We are not a nation of thugs.

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    • I agree with Theandbetween. These incidents are criminal and MUST be reported to authorities regardless of what kind of response they give. The reports are documentation and public record.

      Well, it’s NO SECRET now — by their OWN behavior — that THEY HAVE SOMETHING BIG TO HIDE!

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  12. I asked my husband to read this article. He’s worked on aircraft for almost 30 years, and one of the first things he said to me after reading was that this pilot’s license should be revoked — that he was definitely flying recklessly, and there are penalities for doing so.
    I realize that what’s going before Judge Hicks is a civil suit, but it seems to me that there are also criminal charges to be considered. I understand if these things can’t be discussed in an open forum, but I do hope that criminal charges have been filed against both the truck driver and the helicopter pilot — both of whom clearly intended to physically harm Leslie.

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    • Maybe Ms. Peeples needs to file a serious charge against the pilot using the photos, video, tail number, date and time with location to the FAA?

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    • anything against the government goes into federal court before federally appointed judges…We need to figure out how to get a lawsuit filed against Catoors and their employees in civil court..and ask for billions in compensatory damages..I haven’t got time for 2 weeks to research this, so maybe others can and we should pursue this in a civil court and get these thugs where it means something..in their pocketbooks- see how quickly their employees desert their methods when they are named in this lawsuit, and they become liable for millions in damages granted by a “JURY” of american taxpayers who themselves could be subject to simular attacks by government contractors..we can have liens put on all their property, to cover the judgements..There is no known activities conducted by advocates to warrant these physical attacks and its time we put it in frount of a jury to decide not a federal judge.

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      • Their pocketbooks are WHY this is happening. The pocketbooks are threatened by what we are finding out and revealing to the broader public. These people have just now tipped their hand of HOW VERY DESPERATE they are to continue with their status quo and it OBVIOUSLY has to do with guarding their pocketbooks.

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      • Since Grassroots Horse is providing legal counsel for Laura and Leslie had her encounter representing Grassroots Horse, then perhaps the most productive thing we could do is donate to them. Visit their web site, and make a donation. Most of us don’t have the resources to fight this as individuals, but as a nation of Wild Horse Advocates united behind a representative group, we can have a great deal more power.

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    • I think that if they had meant to do physical harm to her, they would have done it. That is what scares me. We are this close. I think they meant to intimidate her and us. Perhaps we need to contact the FBI before we (you who go) to gathers.

      I think we need to be very, very careful. Get some advice from someone. It would be a lot better to have an FBI agent or someone, perhaps a law enforcement officer from an agency you trust, to escort you or a private security firm. We do not need to be the ones who introduce guns into this.

      On the other hand, if I were going to the round-ups, I would want to have some sort of protection.

      I think we need to watch our rhetoric. I understand the anger, the sadness and grief, the tragedy of this, believe me. I am on adoption gone bad side of the mountain, and I have been able to befriend a few of these wild ones who have suffered greatly as a result of the BLM’s failed policies. I have done what I could with the resources I have to help the ones right in front of me, but we need to rise above the baseness of the people who are destroying our wild horses and our environment.

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  13. OK folks…how does it work when a private citizen feels they have witnessed or stumbled upon a crime scene that may involve Federal property (wild equines) or Federal employees?

    Who do you call? Dept of Justice SUCKS!!!!! What about Homeleand Security? Afterall, why are there so many equine bones? Was it a terrorist bio attack? Illegal chemical dumping….EPA???

    Someone out there (as already mentioned) needs to report a possible crime scene situation to SOMEBODY!!!!! Feds? State? County? Good luck, because those 3 in NV have been beating up wild equines without accountability for DECADES!

    HSUS and ASPCA have animal forensic resources and contacts. What about the folks that helped out at Three Strikes? Guess that means you have to get cooperation from the county or Feds first though.

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    • HSUS could very well step in and do an investigation hand and hand with the FBI. What more do they want? Advocates lives are on the line against horse killers/abusers and even BLM/DOI at this point should have the smarts to back down and not allow THEIR activities escalate to any further point. We have the right to know what is going on. THIS IS AMERICA, LAND OF THE FREE!!!!!

      mar

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      • HSUS will never stand up to the BLM–they make way too much money selling the contraceptives for the wild horse m ares to them. That’s been the problem with them all along and why HSUS never spoke out about the inhumane treatment of the Calico horses all last winter. They have a better cover, but when it comes to the wild horses they are just as guilty as the BLM.

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      • Nancy, They Could but I know they won’t. Pity. But they need to be sited here as they
        have the ability to make this front page news if they wish. They do not wish. mar

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      • No HSUS will do what they have done before–let all the work be done by others and step in and do a few press releases at the end and claim the victory. If you aren’t with us all the way then in my book your against us. Just more gamesmanship and quite frankly I’ve had more than my fill of gamesmanship.

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  14. I have forwarded the article to my Congressman with the plea to forward it and spread the word. Hopefully it will help out. Please do the same. Every letter helps. Copy and send please!!

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  15. They really did cross the line this time. They have gone beyond driving mares and foals off of cliffs.
    Leslie, we are all thankful that you are safe. You are one brave gal. No more needs to be said on blog.

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  16. Swear Cuss Swear Cuss Swear Cuss. Sorry I can’t post what I really want to say but this is way over the top. Now the Contractor for the BLM is harassing PEOPLE???? I know Dave Cattoor is not a nice man but this is way beyond good faith.

    This pilot needs to be grounded by the FAA PERMANENTLY. No ANDS IFS OR BUTS allowed.

    I demand the BLM to FIRE Dave Cattoor and his merry band IMMEDIATELY.

    And truthfully whoever was flying that helicopter–I don’t normally wish this on anyone cause isn’t a very nice thing to say much less think–I hope he crashes and burns. I hope a big gust of wind blows that bird right smack into the ground and blows up–not hurting any 4 legged whatever species they are.

    I apogolize to my fellow advocates here for my rant. This just has me very angry that someone would act like this.

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    • Margaret no apology needed you’re just saying what we are all thinking and feeling. I got up this morning and passed the computer and saw the notice about this story which I read through the still bleary sleep eyes. I was awake immediately, I think I’m still in shock cuz normally I’d be screaming and kickin walls ’bout now. (well not really I just painted them). There are a lot of thoughts swimming through my head, the main ones are my concern for the safety of our advocates in the field. Dave & Sue you are worse than scum.

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  17. I have a question for those that are at those roundups. I will explain my question after someone is able to answer it.
    I have heard time after time how cramped with horses the trailers are. With what you have seen,approximately how many horses are they fitting on these trailers?

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    • They keep you as far away from the trailers as possible as the horses are terrified to be in there but the load up as many as they can get in. There is no consideration to anything as they are simply meat on the hoof. To the Cattoors they are simply dollar signs, dead or alive.

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      • The reason I am asking,is that I have knowledge with trucking. If they are overweight,the haul cannot weigh more than 80,000lbs without special permit. I cannot say they are overweight,however,I can almost guarantee,that if they are hauling from short distances,that they are not scaling out and more than likely will take risk of being overweight,if they can bypass scale houses. The DOT may be a saving grace here,if you suspect they are not running DOT compliant in any form.Also as of Nov. a law was passed that makes the drivers responsible for the rig and load are compliant. If not,now the drivers will be ticketed and fined.
        If you suspect ,they are running overweight, DOT will set up checkpoints and scale them on the road, They also are allowed only 14 hours working time,that means on duty(even if not driving). It may pay to become familar with some more of DOT violations,as a simple overweight on an axle can shut the truck down on the spot.

        I am just mentioning this as this is a shot in the dark,but may come in handy. I would definately report the driver to DOT,if he was driving recklessly.

        Take Care out there,to all of you. I sure wish I could stand with you.

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      • Thanks,Morgan. I hope it helps. It may be a smaller battle that can be fought and achieved that assist the overall battle. If you can get accumlated violations within DOT and the FAA,it may be possible to pull their operating licences and get this one group of lawless people away from the wild horses.

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  18. File a complaint against the tail number of the helo with FAA.

    File a reckless driving charge against the semi (plate numbers please) company with the Feds that regulate interstate trucking (FTA, ICC?)…Cattoor has to have his licenses straight to go on public roads.

    File a crime report with the sheriff and the FBI regarding the pit/bone site.

    Get names, times and keep copies of orginal material.

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  19. “We like to keep things low and quiet”. Is EXACTLY how those California bureaucrats absconded with hundreds of thousands of dollars via grossly inflated salaries – then, by way of excuse, someone said “no one was paying attention.” Fox in charge of the Hen house.

    Government run a muck – seen at all levels and aspects.

    “We like to keep things low and quiet”. And WHY? Because to be transparent would make those responsible for this decision, accountable for taking, making this decision to conduct this covert roundup of OUR horses away from us, we, the people. Experts know better? In the old days, the very old days, when a man was reliant upon his horse, to steal a horse was punishable by hanging…and frequently that sentence was meted out without today’s standard of “due process.” Horses were of that value…when the USE of them served man. Now, horses, wild horses are being devalued by those who have no USE for them, but have USE for the land…public land, that supports “we the people”‘s wild horses. Due process and laws seem to be in force only when convenient to the greed of the few who “think” they know better than the masses they pro port to “serve”. That is exactly how Hitler operated in his “grand plan”. The BLM is, in reality, bypassing “due process” and stealing our horses.

    “We like to keep things low and quiet”. That is exactly how thieves behave, because the BLM KNOW they are STEALING from the AMERICAN people !!

    And who profits from this stolen decision? When is enough, enough, really.

    “We like to keep things low and quiet”.

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  20. Margaret, there is no reason to appologize. I’m sure many of us feel the same way and it goes ffor the truck driver too. Both the pilot and driver should be in jail and the book throw ar them.

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  21. Folks, everyone has to realize that for the most part the US Fish and Wildlife Service has a free reign over the Sheldon horses and burros, pretty much doing what they want whenever they want. We’ve been haggling over this for years. The WFRH&B Act specifically DOES NOT apply to these horses. There are some state laws (NRS Chapter 569) that addresses notices of gathers, ownership and disposition of “feral” horses however the state has chosen to stay out of it.

    The original Sheldon litigation was supposed to address the application of these limited protections but evidently it didn’t.

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    • Nevada Willis,

      We have a lot of information about the original Sheldon suit and where the donation buttons are still active. Where the suit was NEVER posted as dropped. Where someone donated just last month on YOUR site for the Sheldon action.

      The Sheldon action disclosed a lot of useful information and was left in a way that it could be resurrected.

      You want to deal with this issue and we will be glad to run a separate piece just on the details.

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    • California Willis, Do you think We are limited to working to save only wild horses on BLM lands??? We know what we want ROAM to cover. It is all of the wild ones. BLM and Cattoors are going after our wild ones on all lands, and so are we.

      You have isolated yourself further and those who have been associates, too. You have now attacked the experience of another respectable wild horse advocate. You are not the only one who is experienced and knowledgeable. The DRAMA is created by BLM and the bloody (IMO) Cattoors and YOU. mar

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  22. The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge protects more than half a million acres of high desert habitat for large wintering herds of pronghorn antelope, scattered bands of bighorn sheep, and a rich assortment of other wildlife.

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), as the Federal land managing agency for the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (Sheldon Refuge), is issuing supplemental information in response to a request from Ruby Pipeline, LLC (Ruby) to use certain roads located within Sheldon Refuge. If the Service agrees to allow Ruby to use Sheldon Refuge roads, the Service would do so by means of issuing a Special Use Permit (SUP) to Ruby.

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  23. One component of the plan includes a proposed land exchange between Ruby and Service and is considered a connected action to the Sheldon Transportation Plan and Ruby Pipeline Project. A separate document, Ruby Pipeline Project Land Exchange on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (Land Exchange) includes a description of the lands being considered for exchange and an analysis of the impacts associated with the proposed exchange. Much of the information in the Land Exchange document refers to analyses that have been refined in the Sheldon Transportation Plan.

    Paul Steblein, Project Leader
    Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex
    P.O. Box 111
    Lakeview, OR 97630

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    • Nell if you look at the right margin you will see the “flash widget” powered by BOX. the info from Leslie is Supp TRO 1 Dec Peep…-1.pdf then scroll down to the next line and the first box on your left will be the photos. Hope that helps, I had trouble finding it too.

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      • Thanks Morgan I also was having issues finding that widget. Just haven’t ever seen something like that before…but hay you learn something new everyday.

        I was thinking and others have mentioned this–but FAA needs to be called in on this–as that pilot violated FAA laws. I don’t think FAA is cotton to abiding by Dave and his merry band of followers. They might just ground this pilot for being stupid.

        Also if anyone got the DOT number on the truck you might want to call them for being dumb. That was a good call whoever made it on being overloaded but the problem is finding the damn truck when BLM goes into “black operations”.

        God I can’t even begin to tell you guys how steamed I am at this. BLM threatens observers everyday with “escalating things” with their hands on the butts of their guns. Now who the blinking lights is ESCALATING THINGS!

        You know most truck drivers would help out a broken down motorist. How the blinking lights does this idiot know what Leslie wanted??? You know speeding up cause he didn’t want his pic taken–fine. But he crossed that line when he went down the middle of the road forcing Leslie to step aside or be run down.

        Anyone remember that protestor that stood his ground in Tiamennen Square???

        Louie you’re right–Dave and his merry band of followers are really The Goon Squad and that’s not like The Mod Squad.

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    • All the docs from all the legal actions http://www.grassrootshorse.com has filed are located on their website, photos included. Full disclosure. VERY INTERESTING READING. Upper left corner there are links to the legal actions page.

      We need to SUPPORT this effort which is going full force for OUR horses. Donate on their site too — a friend who tries to donate when possible just said she was selling stuff via craigslist to raise extra to donate for this. Excellent idea and I, too, am going to see if I can do the same. Every bit helps and I think there will be a LOT more court activity to come given this development.

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  24. Maybe I’m naive, but would it be feasible to “tag” a few member of different horse herd family and track them by GPS? Such that school children, classes or whole schools could “adopt” a family to watch over, track, love and learn about?

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    • That is an excellent idea! I believe children should be included in the fight to save America’s wild horses and burros, including President Obama’s daughters. They love animals as I read somewhere one is particularily fond of ttigers and the fight to save them. This action taken by the B LM and contractors needs to be out there in the news circulated around the world, seriously. I am posting it to my fb page and 3 of my friends had posted prior to sending to me! Glad you are alright.

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  25. I think I may have stumbled on something. Based on my post earlier. If someone who is at the forefront of this battle could contact me,via email or phone,I will pass it on.

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  26. I bet this is going on all the time.I bet the Cattoors are still selling mustangs to slaughter and pocket the money.Ovarectomies??In horses??Unheard of!They are selling those mustangs.I bet my right foot on that!This needs to get into congress ASAP!I will call the WH tomorrow morning first thing!

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    • I keep repeating it like a broken record, but, “The Alternative Management Options” secret internal document, concluded the BLM should spay and return mares to help continue the die off of americas wild horses..this proposal was again brought up at the WH&B meeting in Denver this year. The BLM is continuing to follow this manefesto document-using now more devious means to do so..Who is going to fund this with the dollars appropriated to their agency??? The fish and game? then we need to pull and revise their budget…the forest service??? then we need to pull and revise their budget…be sure to bring this up and post a link to this article when you contact the white house and your elected officials in what ever state you live in-and we also should be voicing a complaint about the “menacing” being done by the rouge contractor-CATOORS-americans be they republican- democrat or in between are sick of government harassment-and this is rising to dangerous levels-to the point someone will be hurt or injured by government contractors..I can see a billion dollar lawsuit on the horizon…and I hope it is me or my family members who pursue it. How many helicopters do they have???? How many people do we have???

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      • Last I checked, it was around $1500 + to spay one mare. You have to keep them quiet afterward — basically stall rest for several days and checking the incision site regularly. Somehow I just can’t see DOI agencies putting that much time or effort into spaying them. As far as removing just their ovaries? Uhmmm … has anyone ever tried doing this with a wild horse? Is this some kind of experimental program? I personally don’t know anyone who’s had this kind of surgery done on a domestic horse, let alone a whole group of wild ones.
        First words that came to my mind: “smoke screen…”

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      • Sandra – I don’t have my copy of the Alt Management doc handy, but wasn’t there something in there about some mares dying after the BLM tried spaying them? I’ll have to read it again, but I sure think something like that was in there.

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      • These “overectomies” p;robably explain a lot of the bones larua found. There are other possibilities too awful to think about.

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      • What bothers me, if the sterilizations like vas and ova are really going in the field is what medically trained person would agree to this? Opening the gut?…in the field?…without stalls? Good god!!!!! Sounds like Mengele.

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      • They are spaying and gelding in the field? How barbaric. And the reason they are not choosing PZP over this insane option?

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  27. Laura Leigh will be coming onto Truth Squad radio tonight to give us an update on some major happenings this week.

    We again extend an invitation to any of you pilars of BLM to join the conversation. We would jsut love to have the opportunity to “chat” with you!

    Very Sincerely,

    Marti Oakley

    Like

  28. The Navy took care of their problem

    Follow AOL News on Facebook and Twitter

    Navy Pilots Grounded After Double Helicopter Dip Into Lake Tahoe [VIDEO]
    Sept. 24) — Two Navy pilots from San Diego have been grounded after their helicopters dipped into Lake Tahoe last week. The Sept. 13 incident was caught on a dramatic video, which shows the two choppers hovering just above the water.

    Like

  29. Join us Sunday evening at 8 CST on The Truth Squad Radio Show.

    We will also be having Wally Paul and Alex Heidebreicht on talking about the government sponsored eco-terrorism……like getting rid of our wild horses!

    The Truth Squad Radio Show with Marti Oakley and Barb Peterson

    Date / Time: 9/26/2010

    6:00 pm PST

    8:00 pm CST

    9:00 pm EST

    Call-in Number: (917) 388-4520

    URL: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/marti-oakley

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  30. BTW: Our actual guests this week are Wally and Alex from Republic Defiance. Laura was given part of their air time to update the horse situation. She will be on at about 5 after with her update. Marti

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    • Thanks for giving this air time..this is a serious incident -and catoors have shown a willingness to escalate their attacks on americans citizens..I urge ALL to flood the white house with calls demanding an end of terrorism by goverenment contractors on taxpayers..can we ask for some homeland security for protection..WHAT exactly are our taxpayer dollars defending in the homeland..Is that “Homeland” as in the German definition?

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      • Oh you can bet those phone lines are going to light up. And heaven help the first person who tries to placate me or tell me it doesn’t fall under their department. I will be faxing this blog along with Leslie’s declaration. RT you can bet that this blog post has traveled around the world. Louie & Sandra I completely agree, the actions against citizens by contractors and any of the agencies that even touch on the wh&b issue truly echos days we thought had gone by.

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    • I noticed when I worked in Nevada that most locals did have satelite whips on their vehicles…and yes we need communication devices out there, we also need to be traveling with others into HMAs, we need rendavous points and check in times with each other..but more than anything we need the White House to intervene to stop this harassment of american taxpayers..keep documenting evidence folks..every bit counts in the big picture..

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  31. Sandra, right on target–same method of operation–right down to the same color shirts-don’t forget about the BROWN SHIRTS. CITIZENS of this country need to BEWARE!

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  32. Satphones are good but really expensive. At 4 dollars a day that’s 120 a month…and you could probably buy one for less. But the cost is prohibitive–it’s like 1.75 a minute.

    You might be able to do better with a CB. They use to make ones with a low band frequency that could travel MILES.

    Definitely agree that we need to do check in’s regularly. We need to mark maps and stay on those highways. If someone goes missing we know where to start looking. We need to have definite check in times–anything more than 30 mins late will result in the State’s Attorney’s office being called.

    If anyone else has ideas on communication out in the boonies where there is no cell phone reception–please chime in. All ideas are welcomed.

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  33. I would suggest that no one go to any of these round-up areas alone from now on. Try to take at least one other person with you. There would be no way of proving anything if you were found dead. The BLM would cover the whole thing up, case closed. And if any one of you can handle a gun and have a carry permit I would advise that also even if it was only kept in the glove box at least you would have some way to protect yourself. These people mean business and they think they are dealing with a bunch of silly females. You will have to prove them wrong.

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  34. The brown shirt goons have discovered that the WILD HORSE and Burro ADVOCATES mean business and they are making some very foolish mistakes.
    It is not wise to go out there alone or unarmed.

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  35. These are public lands, not private land, The federal government is each and everyone of american citizens, and we need to be there for the horses and stop the stealing of our horses in this and all other ways,. the head BUTT HOLE of the B.L.M. NEEDS GONE and brought up on charges, get your congressmen and women off there gravey boats and get them working with and for us for a change,. We can stop this all from being the way it is if we get hot and heavey on congress and the senate,. now and keep it up,. B.L.M has found a gold mine in our wild horses and there deaths for profit,. if your reps dont jump in on this and stop it then get to them with votes and show the federal grovernment we will have it or they will be out of a job asap

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    • BLM has circumvented the very laws that established critical habitat herd areas to protect preserve and manage 1971 inventoried herds and their ranges. BLM has been crimminaly neglegent in the management of our living heritage. They are wildlife by law ( Kleppe v New Mexico). The are wild by Congressional ACt and species of special interest. They evolved as distinct population segments under ESA critieria, and, having lost their critical habitat, are threatened and endangered. AS a part of Spanish occupation, Native American Culture and western pioneering settlement free roaming wild horse and burros are inherently connected to our heritage landscapes under the protection of the National Historic Preservation ACT, Sec 106 compliance.
      If that isn’t enuf Congressional foundation to preserve wild horse and burro herds on historic ranges then there is no hope left for our constitutionaly guarenteed freedoms either. The government serves no other purpose than to represent the interests of the American People.
      kat

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  36. Where are we?? What country?? or is this a movie?? No joke–this is criminal–who the f— do they think they are harassing a citizen of the USA with a lethal weapon? Send this article to everyone in Washington DC. Use all the cuss words you’ve ever heard– and make up a few. This is a crime scene– and so is the bone pit.

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  37. Tell me this all happened the same day the BLM suddenly “discovered” there was public interest in the round ups and made their big turn around deciding not to close public lands during the round ups. No law suit needed, they are now open honest and above board…NOT!!!

    Judge Hicks should have no trouble seeing their announcement for the ruse it is.

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  38. Is this not the American holocaust, but with horses, which makes it appropriate? Only the president can stop this, but apparently he won’t. Very scarey. We have also lost many helicopters(med-evacs) in this country with Drs, nurses, pts in the recent yr and not mechanical error. The cowboy mentality exhibited here makes me wonder how safe we are. For the first time in my adult yrs, don’t know who to vote for,as I cannot believe any.And this is a big election with our Gov,Senator, and Rep! I applaud those who are on the battle fronts, trying to save our horses. I am a Sheldon by birth and this has always hurt again. Have had Paul Steblein in my address book for yrs. Who listens?

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  39. Good God. THank God Leslie is safe. She should have called 911, no matter if no one could get there, just to record what happened as an emergency.
    The press should get out to the bone pit immediately before they cover it up.

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  40. I agree with ALL comments. Isn’t this “attempted murder with a lethal weapon”? If it was me I might go to the hospital [for documentation] and say that the truck attack forced me to jump out of the way to avoid being killed which caused not only mental trauma but physical injury (pulled muscles or ?) and that the helicopter chasing me forced me to run for my life which caused not only mental trauma but physical injury (neck injuries or leg strain or ?). Not suggesting fraud [I hate fraud!] … just suggesting documentation for future court proceedings. And I bet these injuries (both mental and physical) are true … they certainly would be for me if I was attacked in this way!
    Also agree with the idea of working in pairs … especially since there could be other dangers in remote areas … and also notifying someone of your basic route/roads when you go out and estimated time of return … those bones could have been previous wild horse advocates for all we know! Safety first.
    Also, perhaps I don’t have all the facts about the Sheldon roundup but here is a link “Ruby Pipeline and Sheldon” and so far have found NO mention of any roundup. Has anyone else?
    http://www.fws.gov/sheldonhartmtn/sheldon/index.html
    Ruby Pipeline Supplemental Information and Comments
    I have notified Knapp and a few others about this incident.
    Thank goodness you are here to tell the story. Most important: please take care!

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