BLM roundup: 1,068 mustangs now held in Fallon

The Bureau of Land Management has declined to put up windbreaks and shelters in the corrals where more than 1,000 wild horses are awaiting transport to adoption centers and pastures, prompting mustang advocates to accuse the agency of inhumane treatment of the animals. Federal officials said the requests of the animal activists were considered, but experience with other holding facilities in Fallon and the advice of veterinarians led to the determination that windbreaks, such as tarpaulins or plywood, aren't needed. That response doesn't satisfy the activists. Last week, BLM officials who took news media on a tour of the Fallon holding facility said the natural terrain and dry conditions make shelters or artificial windbreaks unnecessary. The Fallon facility, run by a private contractor, is new and has several large corrals. Some of the corrals include hills where horses gather on the leeward side when the wind picks up. Garner noted the BLM requires people who adopt wild horses to have three-sided shelters in their corrals. "So what's good for one horse isn't good for 1,000 horses?" she asked. "Where's the logic?"...read more