Federal agency provides shade at adoption event so why not at corrals? #Shade4Mustangs

The Bureau of Land Management (BoLM) is providing shade for the captive wild horses up for adoption at the Wyoming State Fair this weekend.

PM Shade WYO State Fair

It’s time for the Wild Horse and Burro Program to follow their own example.

We would like to see the federal agency, who rakes in more than $4 billion a year in receipts, provide shade and shelter for all the captive wild horses in holding facilities. More than 43,500 people have signed our petition for shade and shelter (http://chn.ge/1DriOvN).

On June 9, 2013 Nevada State Senator Mark Manendo and Anne Novak, Executive Director of Protect Mustangs officially requested shade for the wild horses and burros at Palomino Valley Center, near Reno and elsewhere to ensure the welfare of these treasured equids. Their request for shade was refused and the sprinkler mitigation offered was unsuccessful because shelter is needed.

Now it is the summer of 2016 and due to public pressure some facilities are taking baby steps and some are conducting trials but it’s not enough. America’s captive icons of freedom deserve shade now!

PM Shade Structures mustangs PVC #Shade4Mustangs

The BoLM partnered with UC Davis for an expensive shade study that determined wild horses don’t need shade when they are in the corrals. It’s obvious they like having access to shade and use it as seen in the photo taken at Palomino Valley Center last week. The BoLM continues to conduct various shade trials while the years fly by and the wild ones suffer. Please sign and share the petition (http://chn.ge/1DriOvN) to get the BoLM to stop dragging their feet and do the right thing before more wild horses die.

Send this blog post to your congressional representative and two senators so they can get this done for the captives in the pens with no voice.

Protect Mustangs is a nonprofit organization who protects and preserves native and wild horses.




The Fight Isn’t Over! Only 500 out of 1,800 wild horses and burros will get shade

THE FIGHT ISN’T OVER! Only 500 out of 1,800 wild horses will receive shade and wind breaks after 3 years of campaigning and public outrage demanding shade and shelter at Palomino Valley Center. Keep the pressure on!

Dead Shadow © Jim Hart Protect Mustangs

RIP Shadow

 

Protect Mustangs’ investigation found wild horses were dying in the heat wave

 

Protect Mustangs’ campaign continues to stop captive wild horses from dying in the heat wave with no shade

 

Our Petition for Shade and Shelter continues to grow. As of today there are 42,301 supporters: https://www.change.org/p/bring-emergency-shelter-and-shade-to-captive-wild-horses-and-burros Please continue to share this petition. It is delivered to elected officials and has been used in many important meetings with BLM and elected officials. Until shade and shelter is made available to all the wild horses (1,800) at Palomino Valley we will press forward! Your signatures count and have made this happen. Thank you!

PM PVC Shade Shelter Update Jason Lutterman

UPDATE JULY 7, 2016 

Hi Anne,

PVC is working  toward purchasing and constructing windbreaks with roofs in 4 perimeter pens that would serve approx. 500 animals.  The specifications for the wind breaks will be similar to the windbreaks found on this page: http://www.plusonemfg.co/products-we-build.html. BLM will modify the windbreaks to include roofs for shade. However, BLM cannot directly purchase from plusone without issuing a solicitation open to the public for a 30 day time period. (plusone will be notified that BLM is soliciting for proposals), so I cannot tell you for certainty that those are the exact panels we would purchase.

After the 30 day open solicitation, the bids are reviewed by BLM procurement officers and an award is made to the vendors that can meet spec’s and lowest price. The successful vendor is then given a performance period in order to manufacture and deliver the supplies to BLM (approx. 60-90 days).  It is anticipated that by fall PVC would have the materials on site and construction would begin.

The structures will be permanent in the four pens, but BLM will be assessing their effectiveness to determine if more such panels would be purchased for additional pens through an agreement with a partner.

Thanks,
Jason

 

Jason Lutterman
Public Affairs Specialist (On Range)
National Wild Horse and Burro Program
Bureau of Land Management
Office: (775) 861-6614
Mobile: (202) 304-0967

On Tue, Jul 5, 2016 at 1:37 AM, <anne@protectmustangs.org> wrote:

Dear Jason,
What sort of shade and/or shelter is BLM providing at Palomino Valley Center? Is this a trial or a permanent structure? What does it look like? How many will be used at PVC? When will it be installed? What about the windbreaks?
Best wishes,
Anne
Anne Novak
Executive Director
Tel./Text: 415.531.8454
Read about native wild horses: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=562  

 

In memory of Shadow, RIP, and all the captive wild horses who have suffered or died with no shade or shelter.

Dead Shadow © Jim Hart Protect Mustangs

 

PVC Heat Wave BLM Foal July 1 2013

 

PVC 5:30 p.m. Car Therm June 28 2013 Heat Wave with No Shade

 

Protect Mustangs is an organization who protects and preserves native and wild horses.




Protect Mustangs’ investigation creates furor, advocacy group requests #Shade4Mustangs

Video Investigation reveals wild horses are dying in the heat wave!

As a result of public outcry, the Bureau of Land Management is holding a public workshop at the Reno City Council Chamber in Reno, Nev., on Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Tune in to participate via Webinar if you cannot attend in person. Registration information is here:  http://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/412191850

Links of Interest:

July 20, 2013 CBS San Francisco BLM seeks ways to protect wild horses from heat after pressure from Bay Area advocate http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/07/20/blm-seeks-to-protect-wild-horses-from-heat-after-pressure-from-bay-area-advocate/

July 20, 2013 Kansas City Star by Martin Griffith, The Associated Press BLM seeks ideas to protect wild horses from heat http://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/20/4357157/blm-seeks-ideas-on-how-to-protect.html

BLM’s wild horse and burro program looks to community for ideas at workshop: http://thisisreno.com/2013/07/blms-wild-horse-and-burro-program-looks-to-community-for-ideas-at-workshop/

Captive wild horses need relief from heat says HSUS http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/07/18/captive-wild-horses-need-relief-heat-says-hsus/#axzz2ZcyetMGy

Captive wild horses need shade, advocates say http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/07/02/captive-wild-horses-need-shade-advocates-say/#axzz2ZcyetMGy

How many foals are dying after roundups?: http://protectmustangs.org/?p=4246

BLM’s email revealing they are not counting the unbranded dead amongst the 37 dead mustangs at the Nevada facility http://protectmustangs.org/?p=4220

NPR: Fertility drug, nature, better than horse roundups  http://newsle.com/article/0/78084688/

Information on native wild horses: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=562

Wild-horse advocates: Rallies held in 50 states to drum up opposition to roundups, slaughter http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/80561cc4e8a64b43ae909f7d09a0473e/NV–Wild-Horses-Rallies

Animals Angels investigative report: http://www.animalsangels.org/the-issues/horse-slaughter/foia-requests/497-blm-nevada-mortality-records-a-nevada-rendering-animals-angels-foia-request-reveals-discrepancies.html

Palomino Valley Center: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/wh_b/palomino_valley_national.html

Protect Mustangs’ press releases: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=12

Protect Mustangs in the news: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=218

NOTES:

4 horses died during the last heat wave but only 3 deaths (A,C,D) could be related to the heat wave. (see email from BLM below). Strangles is a respiratory illness (Equine Distemper). Horses with repiratory illness have a higher chance of death when enduring a heat wave, because they are already having difficulty breathing and the heat aggrivates that.

BLM’s Debbie Collins responds to Anne Novak’s email:

 

So, I am listing a response to the specific questions you submitted to Jeb below:1.  How many unbranded foals, etc. have died from June 27 to July? Jeb has already provided you a response to this, but at this time no records are kept on unbranded animals that die.3.  For the listed time period, what were the dates of any deaths, how old were the horses and what were their id #s?A. #12620475 – 1yr old Female – Died 6/28/13 from stranglesB. #06619316 – 7yr old Gelding – Died 6/28/13 from Neck/Head injuryC. #10617585 – 3yr old Female – Died 6/30/13 from Unknown*D. #12619358 – 1yr old Female – Died 7/2/13 from Unknown*

 

* PVC’s Vet and staff reported no signs of heat-related symptoms prior to the deaths of #10617585 & #12619358. In addition,  these animals had a continuous supply of water, quality hay, and sprinklers present; therefore, there was no life or death issue present. It is not always possible to make a determination of the cause of death. But, if the BLM has any future deaths at PVC that are not associated with a particular illness or injury, a necropsy will be performed.  

Getting the facts from the BLM

Despite some hurdles, here are the facts on the wild horses who died at Palomino Valley Center during the heat wave from June 27 to July 8th

——– Original Message ——–

Subject: Re: Mortality inquiry since heat wave] – Response to your

request

From: “Collins, Deborah” <@blm.gov>

Date: Wed, July 17, 2013 2:31 pm

To: <@protectmustangs.org>

Dear Anne.

Ok, I contacted our FOIA/Records Administrator and discussed your specific request and this is what was confirmed.  Jeb and I misunderstood an earlier conversation with her about this particular type of request. If available, we can provide you a response to the specific questions below because it does involve a long period of time to research the answers.  However, if you seek any kind of official records/reports that support the answers, you will have to submit a FOIA because you are then getting into Category 2 Records and FOIA issues. Please visit: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/FOIA/records_access.html

So, I am listing a response to the specific questions you submitted to Jeb below:

1.  How many unbranded foals, etc. have died from June 27 to July?

Jeb has already provided you a response to this, but at this time no records are kept on unbranded animals that die.

3.  For the listed time period, what were the dates of any deaths, how old were the horses and what were their id #s?

A. #12620475 – 1yr old Female – Died 6/28/13 from strangles

B. #06619316 – 7yr old Gelding – Died 6/28/13 from Neck/Head injury

C. #10617585 – 3yr old Female – Died 6/30/13 from Unknown*

D. #12619358 – 1yr old Female – Died 7/2/13 from Unknown*

* PVC’s Vet and staff reported no signs of heat-related symptoms prior to the deaths of #10617585 & #12619358. In addition,  these animals had a continuous supply of water, quality hay, and sprinklers present; therefore, there was no life or death issue present. It is not always possible to make a determination of the cause of death. But, if the BLM has any future deaths at PVC that are not associated with a particular illness or injury, a necropsy will be performed.

 

Debbie Collins

BLM National Wild Horse & Burro Program

Marketing and National Information Center

 

 

On Wed, Jul 17, 2013 at 8:22 AM, <@protectmustangs.org> wrote:

Dear Ms Collins,

1.) Can you please explain using citations what are the procedures are for responding to basic inquiries in hopes this will foster transparency?

2.) Are these procedures for advocates, advocate groups and members of the public?

3.) What about journalists? Are they going to be subjected to the same procedures?

 

You stated,

“Due to the federal records procedures, we are unable to give you more specific information when you submit multiple e-mails with varying questions.”

 

4.) Where can the public read about the “federal records procedures”?

5.) This “procedure” appears to create a serious lack of transparency in government. Why is the BLM/DOI choosing to shut down communicaiton with advocates and members of the public?

6.) Who can change the procedures to ensure transparency?

7.) Why can’t a BLM facility manager inform the public easily and without drama answers to simple questions like, “How many are dead who have not been branded and officially counted?”

8.) Does the statement you made on procedure mean the Department of Interior / BLM wants to limit the number of emails from concerned Americans?

9.) How long would the turn around be for a request like the one you suggested  below?

 

Can the BLM provide me with a record containing the following information:

1.  How many wild horses have died at Palomino Valley center since June 27, 2013 ?

2.  How many unbranded foals, etc. have died from June 27 to July?

3.  What were the dates of any deaths for the listed time period?

4.  How old were the horses and what were their id #s?

 

10.) Also how may I get a copy of the entire wild horse and burro 2013 advisory board meeting?

Thank you for your kind assistance.

Sincerely,

Anne Novak

 

Anne Novak

Executive Director

Protect Mustangs

San Francisco Bay Area

 

As seen on the news and in print

Read about native wild horses: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=562 

 

Protect Mustangs on Facebook

Protect Mustangs on Twitter

Protect Mustangs on YouTube

Protect Mustangs in the News

Donate to help Protect Mustangs

www.ProtectMustangs.org

Protect Mustangs is devoted to protecting native wild horses. Our mission is to educate the public about the indigenous wild horse, protect and research American wild horses on the range and help those who have lost their freedom.

——– Original Message ——–

Subject: RE: Mortality inquiry since heat wave]

From: “Collins, Deborah” <@blm.gov>

Date: Tue, July 16, 2013 1:44 pm

To: <@protectmustangs.org>

Dear Anne,

We’ve all recently attended the annual federal records training and consulted our FOIA staff; therefore, we are now aware of a more productive process for you to request your information.  Due to the federal records procedures, we are unable to give you more specific information when you submit multiple e-mails with varying questions.

If your request comes in the form of a request for a record, it should reduce your need for submitting multiple e-mails. This format should also help reduce  our response time to you and possibly reduce the number of FOIA’s you have to request.

So, please resubmit your request in the following format:

Can the BLM provide me with a record containing the following information:

1.  How many wild horses have died at Palomino Valley center since June 27, 2013 ?

2.  How many unbranded foals, etc. have died from June 27 to July?

3.  What were the dates of any deaths for the listed time period?

4.  How old were the horses and what were their id #s?

Also, please send your future requests directly to me or wildhorse@blm.gov.  Heather Emmons will be unavailable after the next couple of weeks and Jeb’s primary responsibility is providing care to the animals. Therefore, our Division Chief would prefer to ensure all requests come to me or wildhorse@blm.gov.

Thank you and I’ll be watching for your official record request. Thank you.

 

Debbie Collins

BLM National Wild Horse & Burro Program

Marketing and National Information Center

 

 

 

On Mon, Jul 15, 2013 at 2:43 PM, Beck, James (Jeb) <@blm.gov> wrote:

———- Forwarded message ———-

From: <@protectmustangs.org>

Date: Mon, Jul 15, 2013 at 12:42 PM

Subject: [FWD: RE: Mortality inquiry since heat wave]

To: “Beck, James (Jeb)” <@blm.gov>

Dear Jeb,

Please respond ASAP with the information requested below and especially the id numbers for the dead horses. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Anne Novak

——– Original Message ——–

Subject: RE: Mortality inquiry since heat wave

From: <@protectmustangs.org>

Date: Mon, July 08, 2013 1:18 pm

To: “Beck, James (Jeb)” <@blm.gov>

 

Dear Jeb,

What were the dates of the deaths you mentioned? How old were the horses and what were their id #s?

How many unbranded foals, etc. have died from June 27 to July?

Thank you for your assistance.

 

Sincerely,

Anne Novak

 

 

Anne Novak

Executive Director

Protect Mustangs

San Francisco Bay Area

 

 

As seen on the news and in print

Read about native wild horses: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=562 

Protect Mustangs on Facebook

Protect Mustangs on Twitter

Protect Mustangs on YouTube

Protect Mustangs in the News

Donate to help Protect Mustangs

www.ProtectMustangs.org

Protect Mustangs is devoted to protecting native wild horses. Our mission is to educate the public about the indigenous wild horse, protect and research American wild horses on the range and help those who have lost their freedom.

BLM avoids necropsy to escape public outcry

PM PVC Investigation Photo 'Shadow'

 

For immediate release

How many wild horses must drop dead in the heat waves before BLM gives them shelter?

RENO, NV (July 20, 2013)–The public is outraged that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) does not provide shelter for the captive wild horses and burros at Palomino Valley Center near Reno, Nevada.  Nevada State Senator Mark Manendo and Anne Novak, executive director of Protect Mustangs warned on June 9th that wild horses would suffer, get sick and could die from heat related illnesses. They called for shade but the BLM refused to take action. In the morning of July 2nd, the Protect Mustangs investigation discovered a branded young wild horse who died during the heat wave.

Protect Mustangs documented the incident with video and photographs. They immediately sought help from several senators and representatives and requested Secretary of Interior, Sally Jewell, bring shade to the trapped mustangs.

“The BLM’s historic disregard for America’s wild horses is a global embarrassment,” states Anne Novak. “We hope the new Secretary of Interior, Sally Jewell, will intervene to bring them shade and call for a moratorium on roundups for population studies, based on science of course. They’re underpopulated on the range now. That’s why they are breeding at a higher rate–to prevent extinction.”

The BLM neglected to perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death for 2 branded young wild horses who died during the last heat wave, on June 30th and July 2nd.

Another death on June 28th could have been due to exposure to high temperatures without access to shade. The wild yearling had a respiratory illness known as strangles that is often occurring at the holding facility. According to the BLM, the wild horse’s death was attributed to strangles but the factor causing death could have been that she was forced to stand in the triple-digit temperatures which aggrivated her condition–ultimately causing her death.

“If a horse has strangles, its immune system is being compromised,” explains Dr. Lester Castro Friedlander, BA. DVM, President of Citizens Against Equine Slaughter. “When there is a heat wave, the horse’s body becomes dehydrated and the major organs try to keep the body in a stable condition, but then it can not fight the bacterial infection. High temperatures increase the death rate of horses with strangles, due to a chain reaction of major organs being compromised.”

All the branded mustangs that were recorded to have died were female: one was a 3 year old and the others were yearlings.

Currently the deaths of all young unbranded wild horses and burros are not counted at the BLM facilities. The BLM’s lack of accountability is raising concern amongst elected officials and members of the public.

“Our investigation uncovered the dead branded yearling during the heat wave but the BLM avoided performing a necropsy,” states Anne Novak, executive director of Protect Mustangs. “It’s as if they don’t want the public to know the truth. Why won’t they let the public know how many young mustangs have died? Why are they avoiding transparency?”

“I can’t believe they didn’t do a necropsy to find out what the animals died from during the heat wave,” says Dr. Lester Castro Friedlander, BA. DVM, and President of Citizens Against Equine Slaughter. ”Due to the high temperatures there is a very good possibility the horses died due to heat related conditions. By not doing the necropsy the cause of death is “unknown” and they avoid public outcry.”

Despite the BLM’s lack of transparency, today protestors gathered in Carson City to demand shelter for the wild horses and burros captive in pens.

Due to public outcry from wild horse advocates and groups, the BLM announced it is consulting PhD.s from UC Davis to determine if wild horses prefer shade and to determine the environmental conditions at Palomino Valley Center. The BLM is also as holding an open forum requesting public input on how the BLM can best care for the horses at Palomino Valley. Still no emergency shade has been brought in.

Another heat wave is hitting Reno this weekend but the BLM still clings to the belief that it’s OK to treat native wild horses and burros like something on a feedlot waiting to be slaughtered.

The public is encouraged to meet with their elected officials around the country and ask for them to intervene to bring emergency shade to the captive wild horses.

“These captive wild horses need emergency shade,” explains Novak. “Exposing them to another heat wave without shade is cruel.”

Protect Mustangs is circulating a petition for emergency shade on Change.org https://www.change.org/petitions/bring-emergency-shade-for-captive-wild-horses-and-burros

# # #

Media Contacts:

Anne Novak, 415.531.8454 Anne@ProtectMustangs.org

Kerry Becklund, 510.502.1913 Kerry@ProtectMustangs.org

Photos, video and interviews available upon request

Links of interest:

BLM’s wild horse and burro program looks to community for ideas at workshop: http://thisisreno.com/2013/07/blms-wild-horse-and-burro-program-looks-to-community-for-ideas-at-workshop/

Captive wild horses need relief from heat says HSUS http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/07/18/captive-wild-horses-need-relief-heat-says-hsus/#axzz2ZcyetMGy

Captive wild horses need shade, advocates say http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/07/02/captive-wild-horses-need-shade-advocates-say/#axzz2ZcyetMGy

How many foals are dying after roundups?: http://protectmustangs.org/?p=4246

BLM’s email revealing they are not counting the unbranded dead amongst the 37 dead mustangs at the Nevada facility http://protectmustangs.org/?p=4220

NPR: Fertility drug, nature, better than horse roundups  http://newsle.com/article/0/78084688/

Information on native wild horses: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=562

Wild-horse advocates: Rallies held in 50 states to drum up opposition to roundups, slaughter http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/80561cc4e8a64b43ae909f7d09a0473e/NV–Wild-Horses-Rallies

Animals Angels investigative report: http://www.animalsangels.org/the-issues/horse-slaughter/foia-requests/497-blm-nevada-mortality-records-a-nevada-rendering-animals-angels-foia-request-reveals-discrepancies.html

Palomino Valley Center: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/wh_b/palomino_valley_national.html

Protect Mustangs’ press releases: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=12

Protect Mustangs in the news: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=218

NOTES:

4 horses died during the last heat wave but only 3 deaths (A,C,D) could be related to the heat wave. (see email from BLM below). Strangles is a respiratory illness (Equine Distemper). Horses with repiratory illness have a higher chance of death when enduring a heat wave, because they are already having difficulty breathing and the heat aggrivates that.

BLM’s Debbie Collins responds to Anne Novak’s email:

 

So, I am listing a response to the specific questions you submitted to Jeb below:1.  How many unbranded foals, etc. have died from June 27 to July? 

Jeb has already provided you a response to this, but at this time no records are kept on unbranded animals that die.

 

3.  For the listed time period, what were the dates of any deaths, how old were the horses and what were their id #s?

A. #12620475 – 1yr old Female – Died 6/28/13 from strangles

B. #06619316 – 7yr old Gelding – Died 6/28/13 from Neck/Head injury

C. #10617585 – 3yr old Female – Died 6/30/13 from Unknown*

D. #12619358 – 1yr old Female – Died 7/2/13 from Unknown*

 

* PVC’s Vet and staff reported no signs of heat-related symptoms prior to the deaths of #10617585 & #12619358. In addition,  these animals had a continuous supply of water, quality hay, and sprinklers present; therefore, there was no life or death issue present. It is not always possible to make a determination of the cause of death. But, if the BLM has any future deaths at PVC that are not associated with a particular illness or injury, a necropsy will be performed.  

Mortality inquiry since heat wave

PVC No Shade Heat Wave

——– Original Message ——–
Subject: Re: Mortality inquiry since heat wave
From: “Beck, James (Jeb)” <j1beck@blm.gov>
Date: Mon, July 08, 2013 1:32 pm
To: <@protectmustangs.org>

Anne, The dates were 2 on 6/28 1 on 6/30 and one on 7/2. Two were yearling and a three year old and one seven year old. I don’t have records of the number of unbranded deaths that may have happened.

Thanks Jeb

On Mon, Jul 8, 2013 at 1:18 PM, <anne@protectmustangs.org> wrote:

Dear Jeb,
What were the dates of the deaths you mentioned? How old were the horses and what were their id #s?
How many unbranded foals, etc. have died from June 27 to July?
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Anne Novak
Anne Novak
Executive Director
Protect Mustangs
San Francisco Bay Area
As seen on the news and in print
Read about native wild horses: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=562 
Protect Mustangs on Facebook
Protect Mustangs on Twitter
Protect Mustangs on YouTube
Protect Mustangs in the News
Donate to help Protect Mustangs
Protect Mustangs is devoted to protecting native wild horses. Our mission is to educate the public about the indigenous wild horse, protect and research American wild horses on the range and help those who have lost their freedom.  
——– Original Message ——–
Subject: Re: Mortality inquiry since heat wave
From: “Beck, James (Jeb)” <j1beck@blm.gov>
Date: Mon, July 08, 2013 9:28 am
To: <@protectmustangs.org>

Good morning, Hope you had a good 4th.

I ran the report on deaths that you requested 6/27/2013 to 7/08/2013 we have had four branded animals die. One case of bastard strangles, one neck injury, and two undiagnosed found dead in pen. Nothing died since 7/02/2013.
Thanks Jeb

On Wed, Jul 3, 2013 at 1:14 PM, @protectmustangs.org> wrote:

Dear Jeb,
How many wild horses have died at Palomino Valley center since June 27, 2013 ?
Sincerely,
Anne Novak
Anne Novak
Executive Director
Protect Mustangs
San Francisco Bay Area
As seen on the news and in print
Read about native wild horses: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=562 
Protect Mustangs on Facebook
Protect Mustangs on Twitter
Protect Mustangs on YouTube
Protect Mustangs in the News
Donate to help Protect Mustangs
Protect Mustangs is devoted to protecting native wild horses. Our mission is to educate the public about the indigenous wild horse, protect and research American wild horses on the range and help those who have lost their freedom.
James  (Jeb) Beck
Acting Facility Manager
Palomino Valley Wild Horse and Burro Center
775-475-2222



 

James  (Jeb) Beck

Acting Facility Manager

Palomino Valley Wild Horse and Burro Center

775-475-2222

J1beck@blm.gov

 

 

 

BREAKING NEWS: Citizen investigation reveals wild horses are sick and dying at national adoption center without shade

Dead Shadow © Jim Hart Protect Mustangs

RIP sweet filly, Shadow

 

For immediate release

Video report calls for Secretary Jewell to intervene with emergency shelters

RENO,Nv (July 8 2013)–Protect Mustangs is releasing a preliminary video report of captive wild horses denied shade in the recent triple-digit heat wave. Anne Novak, executive director of Protect Mustangs, America’s indigenous horse conservation group, has been leading a nationwide outreach campaign (#Shade4Mustangs) on Facebook and Twitter to bring shade to captive wild horses and burros at Palomino Valley Center outside Reno, and elsewhere. Last week’s heat wave broke records. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) refused to install shade despite Novak and Senator Mark Manendo’s requests, outcry from the public and other groups. Protect Mustangs conducted a field investigation during the heat wave with the help of Reno photographer Taylor James, Jim Hart the President of Liberty for Horses and Dennis Walker. The video report calls for the new Interior Secretary, Sally Jewell, to have compassion and bring emergency shade because captive mustangs are sick and dying. In the wild they can migrate to shade and cooler zones. Trapped in pens it’s cruel to deny them access to shade and shelter.

“The BLM’s historic disregard for America’s wild horses is a global embarrassment,” states Anne Novak. “We hope the new Secretary of Interior, Sally Jewell, will intervene to bring them shade and call for a moratorium on roundups for population studies, based on science of course. They’re underpopulated on the range now. That’s why they are breeding at a higher rate–to prevent extinction.”

The heat wave investigation found horses without shade who appear to have respiratory illness, as well as ones who have other illnesses and diseases. They are exhausted from repeated exposure to triple-digit temperatures, sore, stiff, probably lame foals, lactating mares, and young wild horses who also appear dehydrated, obese horses, hot sweaty horses and hot horses not sweating, young horses not wanting to get up and eat, who are ill or dying as well as a dead filly the group named “Shadow”.

When the summer heat started to rise on June 9th Anne Novak & Senator Manendo officially called for shade for more than 1,800 captive wild horses at Palomino Valley Center, the largest short-term federal holding facility in America.

Novak uses Facebook & Twitter to reach thousands of people through her widespread outreach. Celebrities such as Daryl Hannah, and Holly Marie Combs graciously shared out Novak’s calls for shade.

On June 24, 2013, esteemed Dr. Lester Friedlander BA DVM called for an emergency action to bring shelter to the wild horses and burros.

Novak continued to contact elected officials, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) personnel and the newly appointed Secretary of Interior, Sally Jewell, requesting shade to prevent deaths from the upcoming heat wave. To this date she has not heard back from Secretary Jewell.

No shade was provided in triple-digit heat–only a handful of ineffective sprinklers for “mitigation”. Neither Protect Mustangs nor Dr. Friedlander suggested using sprinklers. They requested shade and shelter.

Dr. Friedlander DVM and Anne Novak warned the Bureau of Land Management that the wild horses would suffer disease, infections and heat related deaths without shelter from the heat.

Protect Mustangs has been working with Dr. Lester Friedlander BA, DVM, photographer Taylor James, Jim Hart, President of Liberty for Horses, Dennis Walker and other advocates to document the fiasco during the record-breaking heat wave and advocate for change–shelters for wild horses and burros in holding facilities.

Despite the BLM’s ‘sprinkler mitigation’ PR campaign, the Protect Mustangs’ investigation found sick, sore, horses as well as a dead filly hours before the BLM facility official, Jeb Beck, gave Fox News an interview about the ‘sprinklers’.

In his July 2nd Fox News interview Beck says: “We’ve never experienced any problems with the heat and whatnot,” says Beck. “Because of the publicity it’s getting, we wanted to make a proactive step and try suggestions that were brought to us.” – (See more at:http://www.foxreno.com/news/news/local/wild-horses-trying-beat-heat/nYcsD/#sthash.xNDnlcmV.dpuf)

“We witnessed several young wild horses who would not get up,” says Jim Hart, President of Liberty for Horses sent by Novak to investigate the captive pens. “They were just lying there. The heat wave seemed to have taken its toll on them. Then we found ‘Shadow’ who had died. The horses in the pen were coming over as if to say good-bye. When we came back to the pen later Shadow’s body had disappeared.”

Eye witnesses have documented the following during the heat wave:

 

1.) Triple-digit temperatures

2.) No shade and no relief from the record-breaking heat

3.) No shelter from the strong winds and dust storms

4.) One or No sprinklers seen (depending on the day)

5.) Wild horses stayed away from the sprinkler.

6.) Lactating mares and foals appeared depressed, sore and dehydrated

7..) Horses with bad hoof care

8.) A lot of depressed horses and possibly ill horses

9.) Horses missing their tags

10.) Horses with respiratory illness

11.) Obese horses

12.) Yearlings and other horses who were lying down, breathing hard and not getting up to eat.

13.) Most of them had severe gas

14.) A dead bay filly named Shadow in the pens

15.) The dead filly named Shadow “disappeared” when they came back to the pen

The public wants to know “How many had died? And why is the BLM hiding the deaths?”

Novak has requested the mortality count during the heat wave since June 27 and wants to know the number of sick horses also. Witnesses Hart & Walker asked to view the sick pens but were denied permission to view from a distance.

Palomino Valley Center doesn’t keep track of the dead unbranded foals according to Heather Emmons Jasinki, Public Affairs Officer for the Bureau of Land Management.

“We are requesting immediate transparency and accountability for the mortality rates at all facilities as well as shade and shelter for the captive wild horses and burros,” states Novak. “These wild horses should be living with their families in freedom on the range not enduring cruelty in a government holding pen. Is it time for another agency–without a conflict of interest–to manage America’s native wild horses and burros?”

Less than 18,000 native wild horses and burros are estimated to be living in freedom in all ten western states combined. Today more than 50,000 are stockpiled in government funded holding–at risk of disappearing into the slaughter pipeline. Horse advocates want to see them returned to the range.

The National Academy of Sciences has stated there is no accurate population count. Protect Mustangs, AANHCP and other horse advocate groups know that when a scientific population study is done, the numbers will be very low.

The BLM’s population numbers have been inflated by BLM to justify costly roundups and removals for the public land grab and industrialization.

“The BLM requires adopters to provide ‘access to shelter’ so why aren’t they doing the same?” asks Dennis Walker from Northern California. “It was horrible to see these horses surfing with no shade.”

“They are all so sweet and young,” says James. “I’ve been visiting them sometimes twice a day, to check on them. They would be flaring their nostrils and after the first day they didn’t sweat as much. I was worried. After a few days some would not eat but clearly were weak and dehydrated. They should have never been removed from the range, It’s not fair that Shadow died because the BLM didn’t want to give them shade while they sit in their air conditioned offices, drinking their fresh, cold water.”

# # #

Media Contacts:

Anne Novak, 415.531.8454 Anne@ProtectMustangs.org

Kerry Becklund, 510.502.1913 Kerry@ProtectMustangs.org

Photos, video and interviews available upon request

Links of interest:

Captive wild horses need shade, advocates say, Horsetalk, NZ: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/07/02/captive-wild-horses-need-shade-advocates-say/#axzz2YQ4084gM

How many foals are dying after roundups?: http://protectmustangs.org/?p=4246

BLM’s email revealing they are not counting the unbranded dead amongst the 37 dead mustangs at the Nevada facility http://protectmustangs.org/?p=4220

NPR: Fertility drug, nature, better than horse roundups  http://newsle.com/article/0/78084688/

Information on native wild horses: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=562

Wild-horse advocates: Rallies held in 50 states to drum up opposition to roundups, slaughter http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/80561cc4e8a64b43ae909f7d09a0473e/NV–Wild-Horses-Rallies

Animals Angels investigative report: http://www.animalsangels.org/the-issues/horse-slaughter/foia-requests/497-blm-nevada-mortality-records-a-nevada-rendering-animals-angels-foia-request-reveals-discrepancies.htm

ProPublica: All the missing horses: What happened to the wild horses Tom Davis bought from the gov’t?http://www.propublica.org/article/missing-what-happened-to-wild-horses-tom-davis-bought-from-the-govt

Palomino Valley Center: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/wh_b/palomino_valley_national.html

Protect Mustangs’ press releases: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=12

Anne Novak quotes at Newsle: http://newsle.com/AnneNovak

Protect Mustangs in the news: http://protectmustangs.org/?page_id=218

Captive young wild horses in distress BLM refuses shade`in heat wave

PVC Heat Wave BLM Foal July 1 2013

 

Photo taken by Taylor James on July 1, 2013 at Palomino Valley where the BLM employees refuse to give the 1,800 wild horses shade in the triple-digit heat wave.

Sign and share the petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/bring-emergency-shade-for-captive-wild-horses-and-burros

#Shade4Mustangs

#BREAKING Shocking TRUTHFUL video footage of captive #WildHorses with no shade in #heatwave

PVC Thermometer 5:30 pm June 28 `

Lactating mares and tiny foals as well as obese horses are at risk of dehydration and heatstroke in multiple days of triple-digit degree heat. Do you think this tiny sprinkler is helping cool them down? Why are so many lying down? Are they suffering from heat exhaustion?

They need SHADE to ensure their safety! Contact the BLM, the Governor, The Sheriff, your senators and rep during 4th of July recess if you know them personally and ask them to intervene to get shade for the native wild horses who are at risk of dying from heat stroke!

No the sprinklers are NOT helping! They need SHADE ASAP! Taylor James partnered up with us and went out to shoot this for us–so you all can SEE the truth in the video below:

Then take action!

Our June 9th press release requesting shade:http://protectmustangs.org/?p=4501

www.ProtectMustangs.org

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