Roundup Report: Swasey Wild Horse Roundup

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) commenced a wild horse roundup on July 20, 2024, in the Swasey Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA), covering over 134,000 acres of federal and public land in Utah. The operation aimed to capture 166 horses, removing 154 and returning 20. Of the returned horses, ten were to receivefertility controltreatments. TheBLM's goal was to adjust the horse population to theirunscientificappropriate management level (AML)of 60-100 horses. The current estimated population is 287, and the targeted removal would result in a 46% herd reduction.

Post Roundup Summary

Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024

This roundup was conducted during high summer heat, raising concerns about the welfare of the horses. The roundup captured 23 more horses than theBLM’s original target. To date, none of the projected horses have been returned or treated withfertility control.

Contractor: CattoorLivestockRoundup, Inc. Paid $196,073.

Short term holding (STH): Axtell Off-Range Wild Horse Facility

Final totals*According toBLMreport

• Captured: 189—over BLM target.157 Wild Horses (57 Stallions, 99 Mares, and 33 Foals)
• Shipped: 188—over BLM target.188 Wild Horses (57 Stallions, 98 Mares, and 33 Foals)

Herd reduction: 66%*According toBLM's estimated population

1 Death.*According toBLMreport

AWHC is on the ground—read our reports below

July 25, 2024:Final day of gather.

Weather:Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 76°- 91°F when operations concluded just before 12:30 p.m.

Daily totals*According toBLMreport

• Captured: 32 (7 Stallions, 20 Mares, and 5 Foals)
• Shipped: 49 (14 Stallions, 29 Mares, and 6 Foals)

One death.

• Mare was euthanized for an eye abnormality. The mare wasmissing her left eye.

July 24, 2024

Weather:Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 81°- 83°F when operations concluded just before 9:00 a.m.

Daily totals*According toBLMreport

• Captured: 12 (5 Stallions, 6 Mares, and 1 Foals)
• Shipped: 31 (12 Stallions, 13 Mares, and 6 Foals)

July 23, 2024

Weather:The weather was sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 73°- 96°F when operations concluded just before 2:00 p.m.Heat exceeded theBLMwelfare standard (95°F)*w/o approval.

Summary:Operations are expected to last another day or two. Observers noted theBLMand contractor were doing better pushing horses at a slower pace and allowing for good observation.

Daily totals*According toBLMreport

• Captured: 60 (21 Stallions, 29 Mares, and 10 Foals)
• Shipped: 37 (11 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 5 Foals)

Horses being herded into trap.

July 22, 2024

Weather:Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 87°- 92°F when operations concluded just before 10:30 a.m. Heat nearly violatingBLMwelfare standards (95°F).

Daily totals*According toBLMreport

• Captured: 7 (4 Stallions, 2 Mares, and 1 Foals)
• Shipped: 35 (10 Stallions, 14 Mares, and 11 Foals)

July 21, 2024

Weather:Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 69°- 97°F when operations concluded just before 12 p.m.Heat exceeded theBLMwelfare standard (95°F)*w/o approval.

Daily totals*According toBLMreport

• Captured: 42 (10 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 11 Foals)
• Shipped: 36 (10 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 5 Foals)

July 20, 2024*According toBLMreport

Weather:Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 73°- 94°F when operations concluded just before 11 a.m.Heat nearly violatingBLMwelfare standards.

Total captured today: 36 (10 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 5 Foals)

Last updated July, 2024