Shocking Photos Reveal U.S. Government's Treatment of Wild Horses Due to Cattle Threat

Wild horses and burros are facing severe threats due to government actions influenced by cattle industry interests. Recentroundupshave sparked outrage, revealing the harsh realities these animals endure.

The wild horses and burros roaming American lands are few and far between, yet the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) still insists on callousroundupswhere they chase down these beautiful herds withhelicoptersand bring them to holding facilities for indefinite periods. Sadly, many eventually end up on the auction block to be taken across U.S. borders to be slaughtered andsold for their meatin countries around the world. What is fueling this disturbing practice? The interests ofwild horses and burros pushed to extinction by cattle ranching, of course, which are encroaching farther and farther onto wild territory, and ranchers and those that benefit from Big Meat supposedly fear a competition of resources between the cows and horses. However, horses and cows are both herbivores and in no way natural enemies, and on the chance they do cross paths,interactionsare entirely peaceful and they share resources like watering holes with no problems.

Another one of these disturbingroundupsoccurred on August 6, 2018, in the Bible Springs Complex and Sulphur Herd Management Area (HMA) in Southern Utah. A wild horse advocate captured some shocking images of what this roundup entailed, and the photos are catching the attention of concerned citizens across the country and sparking outrage.

Images show BLM helicopters flyingdangerously closeto the terrified horses.

These horses were chased along barbed wire fences, which caused many to crash into the torturous fencing.

The horses were chased for such great distances and lengths of time that young foals had difficulty keeping up and ended up lost and scared without their mothers.

Blind and injured horses were also chased down for miles at high speeds, and one two-year-old stallion wasropedto get him into the trap.

In aletter to BLM Utah State Director Ed Roberson, AWHC stated these aggressive tactics violate theBLM’sComprehensive Animal Welfare Policyfor helicopter drives. AWHC Executive Director Suzanne Roy wrote the letter to Roberson, saying, “We call on theBLMto suspend the roundup underway currently in Utah by grounding the helicopters while an investigation is undertaken of the animal welfare violations documented by our observer … There is a way to manage wild horses, and this is not it …Nearly hitting wild horses with helicopters, repeatedly causing them to crash into barbed wire, and stampeding horses in a manner that leaves foals behind is unconscionable.”

Roy continued, “Polls show that 80 percent of Americans want wild horses and burros protected, not destroyed.The way these horses are being treated during this roundup is unnecessary and flat-out inhumane, as well as a serious violation ofBLM’s ownanimal welfarepolicies.”

Do you love America’s horses and burros and hate seeing them attacked in such an aggressive and dangerous manner, and with the use of taxpayers’ money at that? Then there is a lot you can do to help them in their struggle to survive. For starters, begin with your plate! Byditching meat and opting for plant-based foodsinstead, you are lessening the demand for more cattle to be raised on wild horse territory. Secondly, you candonateto organizations like the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) that are fighting tirelessly to protect and conserve these glorious equines.

And lastly, spread awareness of the serious issues at hand with your family, friends, and peers. Public pressure ignited by social media recentlysaveda herd of 78 wild horses from being culled by the Government, so we really do have the power to make a difference! You can do your part to spread awareness by SHARING this with your network so people can see what is really happening to our wild horses.

All Image Source:American Wild Horse Campaign

Originally posted by One Green Planet