Federal Lawsuit Against Wild Horse Roundup Seeks Return of 1800 Horses to Nevada Range « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Federal Lawsuit Against Wild Horse Roundup Seeks Return of 1800 Horses to Nevada Range « Straight from the Horse's Heart

WASHINGTON, D.C. March 31, 2010 – In a final brief filed today, wild horse advocates are asking a federal court to order the government to return to the Nevada range approximately 1800 wild horses who, after being rounded up earlier this year, await their fate at government holding pens located approximately 200 miles from their home range in Nevada’s Calico Mountain Complex. The international law firm of Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, on behalf of plaintiffs In Defense of Animals (IDA), ecologist Craig Downer and author Terri Farley, highlighted the Honorable Judge Paul L. Friedman’s preliminary analysis that long-term holding of wild horses in the Midwest is likely illegal when asking for the court to order defendants Department of Interior (DOI) and Secretary Ken Salazar to find room for the captured Calico horses on the more than 30 million acres of public lands designated as wild horse herd areas.

Sweeping Undercover Investigation of Canada’s Leading Equine Slaughterhouses shows Cruelty and Abuse « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Sweeping Undercover Investigation of Canada’s Leading Equine Slaughterhouses shows Cruelty and Abuse « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Westbank, B.C., March 30, 2010: In late February 2010, the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) received hidden camera footage of horse slaughter practices at Quebec’s Viandes Richelieu and Alberta’s Bouvry Exports – the latter known as North America’s largest exporter of horsemeat. The CHDC has asked a panel of veterinarians, the BC SPCA and the World Society for the Protection of Animals to review the footage, which contains numerous instances of improper stunning and horses showing signs of returning consciousness.

BLM Calls Wild Horse Death Stampede at Calico “Humane” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM Calls Wild Horse Death Stampede at Calico “Humane” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The federal Bureau of Land Management has challenged Horseback’s terminology calling a Northern Nevada Calico roundup “ill fated.”

“The Calico gather wasn't "ill fated." It was conducted in a professional and humane manner and achieved the goal of bringing an
overpopulation of wild horses in the Calico Complex within the established appropriate management levels,” spokeswoman JoLynn Worley said in a note to the magazine.

Shouts of “Wild and Free, Let Them Be” From Protestors of Obama Administration Wild Horse Policy « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Shouts of “Wild and Free, Let Them Be” From Protestors of Obama Administration Wild Horse Policy « Straight from the Horse's Heart

CHICAGO, (EWA) – March 25 will be remembered by equine advocates across the United States and the United Kingdom as the day the international cries for the wild horses and burros were raised loud and clear.

Elyse Gardner gets Up Close and Personal with Captive Calico Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Elyse Gardner gets Up Close and Personal with Captive Calico Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Even as throngs of equine advocates gather for today’s international March for Mustangs in Washington, DC, London, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, the plight of the captive Calico Mountain wild horses continues to haunt us.

DC March for Mustangs – The Nation is Speaking but is Anyone Listening « Straight from the Horse's Heart

DC March for Mustangs – The Nation is Speaking but is Anyone Listening « Straight from the Horse's Heart

It sort of turns the average citizen on their ear when they write, call, fax, email and even go directly to Washington D.C. only to be greeted by a wall of total silence. For years Americans have been demanding that the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cease their senseless stripping of native wild horses from public lands yet they have continued to do so. In fact, this year the pace has accelerated to the point that there is true doubt over how many wild horses still exist in their native habitat.

Horses, People and a Meeting of Minds « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Horses, People and a Meeting of Minds « Straight from the Horse's Heart

It’s rare that you will ever find me at a loss for words, but I am afraid that today is that day. It has nothing to do with physical fatigue or the inability to wrap my mind around a particular issue; no, it is centered around the fact that I am overwhelmed, humbled and filled with so much hope that I simply don’t know where to start or how to end.

Sen. Mary Landrieu Gets Tough With BLM as DC and Global Protests Fan Fire of Disgust in Wake of Helicopter Assisted Horse Deaths « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Sen. Mary Landrieu Gets Tough With BLM as DC and Global Protests Fan Fire of Disgust in Wake of Helicopter Assisted Horse Deaths « Straight from the Horse's Heart


WASHINGTON. (Laudrieu) – U.S. Senator Mary , D-La., today joined the call for a better federal plan for the treatment of wild horses and an end to the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) unnecessary wild horse roundups.

Wild Horses Kick the BLM in the “Burro” in DC « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horses Kick the BLM in the “Burro” in DC « Straight from the Horse's Heart

WASHINGTON – Protesters gathered in front of the White House as President Obama spoke in support of health care at a packed house at the University of Iowa today.

The protesters were met with armed guards when they reached the U.S. Department of Interior. One protester reported back to supporters of the end of federal Bureau of Land Management roundups.

Wild Horse Documentary Wows Crowd in DC « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse Documentary Wows Crowd in DC « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Film maker James Kleinert shared both his thoughts and latest film Disappointment Valley … A Modern Day Western before a packed house of equine advocates Thursday evening.

Commentary: Montana’s “Red” Ed Butcher Lives on to Kill Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Commentary: Montana’s “Red” Ed Butcher Lives on to Kill Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Last week we reported that “Red’ Ed had decided not to run for re-election and the world gave off a collective sigh of relief, but just when you thought it was safe to let the kids play outside and to release your horses out of the barn ole “Red” Ed shares his “plans for the future”. It just goes from dumber to dumbest.

Wild Horse Advocates Question Rise in Nevada Deaths « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse Advocates Question Rise in Nevada Deaths « Straight from the Horse's Heart

RENO (AP) — Activists are questioning the rising death toll from a controversial government roundup of wild horses from the range north of Reno.

Rising Wild Horse Death Toll Story goes Mainstream, but with a Hitch « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Rising Wild Horse Death Toll Story goes Mainstream, but with a Hitch « Straight from the Horse's Heart

On March 19^th, 2010 the Associated Press (AP) released a bare-bones story on the number of Wild Horses that continue to die in Nevada while under the care of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Wyoming’s “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis Gets a Dose of Red, White and Blue « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wyoming’s “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis Gets a Dose of Red, White and Blue « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON (SFTHH) – There is a fresh wind blowing across the State of Wyoming; from over the mountains and across the prairie the breeze is carrying a whisper of change and the fragrance of new life and regeneration. That change may be in the form of one Nick De Laat, Navy veteran, blue collar worker and a family man dedicated to making a change in a country and state where things have gone “bad wrong”. Mr. De Laat is challenging bloodied Rep. “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis for her State House seat in Wyoming’s 52^nd district and with his energy and pure conviction he just might make the infamous horse eater go away.

“Herd Wisdom” is the Intangible Casualty as more Calico Wild Horse Elders are Eliminated « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“Herd Wisdom” is the Intangible Casualty as more Calico Wild Horse Elders are Eliminated « Straight from the Horse's Heart

With the euthanasia of two more elders from the wild horse bands that formerly inhabited Nevada's Calico Mountain Complex, it is becoming increasingly difficult not to conclude that the BLM has a calculated plan to break down the hierarchy of familial groups by eliminating their most senior members.

Wild Horse Death Toll for Calico now at 115 and Counting « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse Death Toll for Calico now at 115 and Counting « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – The record death toll for a federal Bureau of Land Management roundup has again risen with the demise of two more horses raising the count to 115. Specifically, 69 have died at the agency’s Fallon holding facility, 7 died at the site of the Caico roundup itself, and there have been 39 miscarried foals.

Breaking News: Montana’s “Red” Ed Butcher Leaks Details of Post Political Career « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Breaking News: Montana’s “Red” Ed Butcher Leaks Details of Post Political Career « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (SFTHH) – Montana state Rep. “Red” Ed Butcher was reported to “hang it up” earlier this week on Straight from the Horse’s Heart (SFTHH). Butcher had filed for re-election but withdrew on Monday, the final day to file for a Montana office this year.

Within days of pulling his name from the ballot “Red” Ed has already shown his hand during an interview with a local Montana Newspaper, the Independent Record. Cited for politically incorrect improprieties, while in office, and found guilty of verbal indescrtions Butcher remains true to form when describing his future, planned activities.

The BLM Passes the Buck on the Vet Issue « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The BLM Passes the Buck on the Vet Issue « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – The federal Bureau of Land Management has punted on whether it employed a veterinarian on its Calico roundup who is not licensed in the State of Nevada. Responding to a query by Horseback Magazine regarding the credentials of Dr. Albert Kane, the BLM referred questions to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal, and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Montana’s Rep. “Red” Ed Butcher Slaughtered Before Running in the Race « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Montana’s Rep. “Red” Ed Butcher Slaughtered Before Running in the Race « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON (SFTHH) – Montana state records indicate that State Rep. “Red” Ed Butcher has withdrawn his name for running another term in that state’s legislature.

A recent article in the Helena Independent Record, staff writer Mike Dennison reported, “Two incumbent lawmakers decided Monday to withdraw as candidates, after having earlier paid their $15 filing fee: Rep. Ed Butcher, an outspoken Republican from Winifred, who withdrew in House District 29,

Unlicensed Vet Working On Captured Calico Wild Horses Where 113 Deaths Have Occured « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Unlicensed Vet Working On Captured Calico Wild Horses Where 113 Deaths Have Occured « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – A government veterinarian working for the Bureau of Land Management in its Nevada office has treated horses there without a state license.

Outrage Over Wild Horse and Burro Removals Crosses the Pond « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Outrage Over Wild Horse and Burro Removals Crosses the Pond « Straight from the Horse's Heart

CHICAGO, (EWA) – The outrage over the round-up of America’s wild horses and burros has spread internationally. Groups in the United Kingdom will be holding a rally in front of the American Embassy in London on March 25. On the same day, Americans will be holding a rally across from the White House in Lafayette Park that will conclude in front of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices.

Captured Calico Wild Horses Continue to Die under the hand of the BLM « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Captured Calico Wild Horses Continue to Die under the hand of the BLM « Straight from the Horse's Heart

More than half of the 1922 wild horses scavenged by the BLM from Nevada’s Calico Mountain Complex have now been pushed through a squeeze chute at the Indian Lakes Road feedlot to be freeze-branded, wormed, vaccinated, and otherwise “processed” for adoption. In spite of BLM assurances that the processing is relatively benign, it has already claimed the lives of several horses, including a yearing filly whose death was chronicled in yesterday’s Gather Daily Updates.

Government Contractor Paid Almost $700 K – 113 Wild Horses Dead and No Investigation of Calico Capture « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Government Contractor Paid Almost $700 K – 113 Wild Horses Dead and No Investigation of Calico Capture « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – A Nephi, Utah, government contractor was paid $697,359 for a Nevada roundup of wild horses in the Calico Mountains. The roundup was held against the advice of federal judge Paul Friedman of Washington D.C. who wrote that holding wild horses in large privately owned facilities is likely against federal law.

The Princess, a Duke and a plan that goes “Doink” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Princess, a Duke and a plan that goes “Doink” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away there lived an evil Princess whose name was Sue. The evil Princess had it in her mind that all Unicorns were bad and that she and her followers should kill all of them. No one knew where this idea had come from, but Princess Sue was very persistent when it came to her hatred of the magical Unicorns. She also thought that they tasted good, not for her of course, but for the poor, needy and rather dopey people that kept her in her esteemed office. So she came up with the plan that if she could get all the poor and needy people to kill all of the Unicorns then she would clear the way for a great big BBQ where all of the ignorant people, in her opinion, could eat the meat that was once the Unicorns.

Convicted Wild Horse Killer Jason Meduna Denied Appeal Bond « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Convicted Wild Horse Killer Jason Meduna Denied Appeal Bond « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Only weeks into serving his sentence, Jason Meduna has been denied an appeal bond on his 145 felony convictions for allowing wild horses and burros on his 3 Strikes Mustang Ranch to starve to death.

As Calico Wild Horses Continue to Die a Disturbing BLM Euthanasia Pattern Emerges « Straight from the Horse's Heart

As Calico Wild Horses Continue to Die a Disturbing BLM Euthanasia Pattern Emerges « Straight from the Horse's Heart

During yet another weekend of captivity at the BLM’s leased Indian Lakes Road feedlot near Fallon, Nevada, the wild horses from the Calico Mountain Complex continued to lose revered herd elders. With the euthanasia of a 25-year-old mare and a 25-year-old stallion who “were unable to maintain body condition,” and a 10-year-old stallion who was put down because he was suffering from hyperlipemia and metabolic failure, at least 71 of these precious horses have been lost. Only about 1850 remain.

Stress of Captivity still taking a Toll on the Calico Mustangs « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Stress of Captivity still taking a Toll on the Calico Mustangs « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The residual stress of the helicopter chase, coupled with the inability of some horses to adapt to a diet of grass hay, continues to claim lives among the wild horses forced from their homes in Nevada's Calico Mountain Complex by the BLM's henchmen. In the last 48 hours, three more mares lost their late-term foals, and one was euthanized after she colicked. At least 68 of the original 1922 horses brought to the Indian Lakes Road feedlot pens near Fallon Nevada have died, and almost four dozen in-utero foals have perished, too.

Surviving Wild Mustangs from 3-Strikes adopted by Willie Nelson « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Surviving Wild Mustangs from 3-Strikes adopted by Willie Nelson « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Houston – (SFTHH) – On the 23^rd of February 2010 Jason Meduna was sentenced on 145 counts of felony animal cruelty charges and placed behind bars. One week later, six of the survivors from the 3-Strikes killing fields were finally placed in their forever homes at the ranch of country music icon Willie Nelson.

BLM Opens Doors to view Calico Roundup Survivors for only 1.5 Hours « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM Opens Doors to view Calico Roundup Survivors for only 1.5 Hours « Straight from the Horse's Heart

With the death toll nearing 100 wild horses the BLM issues a press release.