Wild Horses Action Alert: Speak Out to Stop BLM’s Plan to Spay Wild Mares in Wyoming
January 14, 20164 Wild Horse Advocacy Groups Unite in Telling the BLM to STOP Sterilization Experiments on Wild Horse Mares – Radio Show Monday Night
February 7, 2016
Wild mare nursing her newborn foal
The BLM has announced its plan to work with Oregon State University in experimenting upon 225 wild mares at the Hines, Oregon BLM Short Term Holding Facility starting in February 2016. The information about this was NOT posted on the Burns, Oregon website and was very hard to find, buried in a new BLM website. It is a very long document:
Please do read it if you have time and a strong stomach.
I will summarize what I think are the important points to hit on if you going to comment on the plan. The BLM will not listen to any of us, and would clearly prefer not to have any public comments or knowledge about the plan, but it IS important to make our voices heard and to get the word out that the BLM’s cruel, inhumane torture of and experimentation on our wild horses is absolutely not acceptable. It in no way conforms to the minimally intrusive management on the range that the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971 was passed to ensure.
Comments are due Wednesday, February 3 and there is an online comment form that they want you to use to make your comments. It says that the form resets after 60 minutes, so it might be a good idea to type them out first, copy them, and then paste them in. But you can just type them into the form. Here is the comment form:
There are three methods of sterilizing wild mares that the BLM would like to test out. They are ovariectormy via colpotomy, tubal ligation and hyteroscopically-guided laser ablation. The last two procedures the BLM describes as “minimally invasive” but they have never been done on wild mares before. The ovariectomy via colpotomy is not commonly done with domestic mares, but when it is, it is done in a sterile environment and the mares are not pregnant. They are also not wild. There is nothing sterile about a holding facility, and these are wild mares that are going to be absolutely terrified by being confined in this chute and having an incision made in their vaginas so the veterinarian’s arm can reach in and rip out their ovaries. The possibility of the mares panicking despite the sedation is high, and they could break their necks in the chute. They can also die from sedation, or their hearts can stop from sheer terror. The possibility of infection and death resulting from complications is also a risk. And then this is the worst part. Since their ultimate plan is to surgically sterilize mares in the field like at White Mountain in Wyoming, and likely many mares in the wild will be pregnant, they want to experiment on mares who are pregnant to see what will happen – will they abort the foal? Will there be other complications? This is very likely in the early pregnancy group, and also likely in the middle phase. They will divide the mares into groups: 0-4 months pregnant, 4-8 months pregnant, over 8 months pregnant, and not pregnant, or “open.” Although they have plenty of wild mares to experiment upon at the holding facility in Hines, as the mares have been there for some time they do not have pregnant mares in all the phases available – so they will have a helicopter roundup or two to get more experimental subjects. They will use at least one and possibly all three methods of sterilization in the study.
I question the morals and ethics of the veterinarians at Oregon State University who will be performing these procedures on pregnant wild mares. I would never want them to provide care to my horses.
Here is a link to comments from a veterinarian Panel about these procedures that should have been included in the EA that the BLM conducted in September, 2015:
http://www.wildhorsepreservation.org/media/blm-spay-research-vet-panel
Here is a link to the archived Wild Horse and Burro Radio Show on February 8 featuring AWHPC. the Cloud Foundation, ISPMB, WHFF, Don Moore, DVM and author Terri Farley all speaking out against sterilization research on our wild mares:
Mare Sterilization Research Project Lead
(541) 573-4411
28910 Highway 20 West
Hines, Oregon 97738
Fax: (541) 573-4411 — Attention: Mare Sterilization Research Project Lead
Lisa Grant
BLM Burns District Office
Email: blm_or_bu_mareresearchea@blm.gov
Mike Tupper
Email: mtupper@blm.gov
Dean Bolstad
Email: dbolstad@blm.gov
Related Posts:
51 Comments
Carol,
Did get a comment sent but was unable to copy & paste anything and for some reason it was very difficult to get anything typed out – I’m assuming it wasnt my keyboard – everything else works fine. But I found I had to go very slowly & keep going back & correcting letters! Could it be their site?
I also sent your email on to several friends – I know a couple of them will comment. Wish I knew more people that would.
It could be their site – this is a new site and not very user friendly. Thank you very much for commenting and for passing this along.
I also wrote an email to Oregon State University! Honestly, I wouldnt think this is something they would want to be known for – but maybe I’m wrong.
I had the same problem Maggie
You can also comment this way:
Public comments will be accepted on the EA through February 3, 2016. Comments can be emailed, mailed or faxed to the BLM Burns Office at the addresses below. Entire comments – including personal identifying information – may be published as part of the EA and Decision Record process. Mail or deliver to:
Mare Sterilization Research Project Lead
(541) 573-4411 BLM Burns District Office
28910 Highway 20 West
Hines, Oregon 97738
Email: blm_or_bu_mareresearchea@blm.gov
Fax: (541) 573-4411 — Attention: Mare Sterilization Research Project Lead
Lisa Grant
BLM Burns District Office
Email: blm_or_bu_mareresearchea@blm.gov
Mike Tupper
Email: mtupper@blm.gov
Dean Bolstad
Email: dbolstad@blm.gov
Carol–Do you know if anyone has gone the route of contacting Oregon State and complaining about this? I have the name of the vet there who’s in charge of this, and I’m wondering if anyone has already taken this route. In addition to contacting him directly, it would seem that his superiors and someone high up in the school administration should be copied on any correspondence–do you know if anyone is pursuing this fromthis angle?
No Nancy I do not have anyone doing this but if you would that would be great.
I’m thinking it might be helpful if others, as well, were to contact higher-ups is the OSU administration:
*OSU president (link to email form at: http://leadership.oregonstate.edu/people/edward-ray),
*dean of the veterinary college (susan.tornquist@oregonstate.edu),
*the board of trustees (trustees@oregonstate.edu),
*v.p. of relations and marketing (steve.clark@oregonstate.edu),
*v.p. for research (link to email form at: http://leadership.oregonstate.edu/people/cynthia-sagers).
Let them know that 1) what the BLM is proposing is illegal (and that the university could be opening themselves up to lawsuits<–haven't decided if that should be added or not, but why not? I believe it's true), 2) at the very least it would be a poor PR move, giving the university a very bad name in the eyes of hundreds of thousands of wild horse and wildlife advocates around the country–who are also taxpayers objecting to their money being spent to perform cruel experiments on horses that belong to us all.
I also think it's essential that any letters be kept civil and not filled or peppered with vulgarity. The same letter can be copied to all of the above, although some of them require that you send emails via a form on their individual pages on the OSU website–others have published individual email addresses.
I know it's a last ditch effort, but again, why not? It might get some other people with power and influence to reconsider OSU's participation in this misguided plan. I'm betting the the university president and others on this list don't even know this is about to happen.
Nancy – sent a copy of the veterinarian’s letter from RTs blog today. If you havent seen it – its a very GOOD letter & certainly lays out the absolute “wrong” in this project.
Thanks for all the email addresses – hope many others did this too.
Maggie
Sorry – mistake – the letter was posted by Louie C on an earlier RT blog. (I go back & read comments on the older posts!)
BLM you should be a shame hurting those poor horses. This act of violents and the outstanding pain your putting these beautiful horses through is totally a inhumane act. You need too STOP STOP STOP got it……
Hi Carol , this never seem’s to stop , The BLM is going all out to hurt these wonderful horses . It need’s to stop! Just maybe with a new President all the Cruelty may stop ! I pray we have the right person that goes into office and ,review’s all of The BLM and the Interior , and get’s rid of all of them …
It is atrocious what the BLM is going to our wild mustangs.. IT IS time for CITIZENS to STAND UP and if you have horses, take one or two…or the land to suspport them. If you do not have that to save horses, there are many PRIVATE organization standing up t the slaughter, sterilization and running down of wild mustangs to death, by helicopters…..Small rescue groups are all over. I’m in Illinois and we just received a mustang that we are rehabilitating and he is beautiful…DONT” STAND BACK, PITCH IN < HELP TO SAVE THEM NOW!
I received an email from a horse advocate in Canada – she comments on SFHH now & then. She sent me this website: info@vetsforequinewelfare.org. They are actual veterinarians that disagree with AAEP and AVMA in regard to their stance on horse slaughter. One of the veterinarians testified before Congress in 2008 & brought a letter signed by many, many veterinarians. Worthwhile reading the information on their site – if you havent ever heard of it.
Save our horses, and let them live in peace as they have for hundreds of years!!! BLM get out of the horse killing abuse business!!
Dear lord!! Does it not end with these guys?!!! Why cant they just leave these beautiful sentient creatures alone?! Something needs to be done to stop this! This is a crime and these morons should be charged with animal cruelty! I am so sick of these mindless, heartless, government lackeys!!
All animals and people belong to God. We will all have to answer for our actions one day…you better think about that. LEAVE these beautiful horses to live wild and free!
This is so disgusting. How can any agency who claims to be protecting wild horses even consider this type of action against wild horses. This is horrible. There are not even that many wild horses left. Let them live their lives in peace. Who are we to do this to wild horses? This land is their land, not ours. Please reconsider your actions and think about the lives you will be destroying.
I think you need to address this post to the BLM directly as here on Carol’s blog it only goes to her readers–fellow members of the “choir,” if you see what I mean.
this is the last of the wild west! stop destroying it! let our horses live in peace! so many people in this world appreciate them and study them everyday including me! visiting them is so breathtaking and we can have the BLM destroying that chance!!
I think you need to address this post to the BLM directly as here on Carol’s blog it only goes to her readers–fellow members of the “choir,” if you see what I mean.
Wild life needs to be left alone. They ALL play a part in the cycle of life. And cruelty to animals is against the laws of land AND nature. And what the BLM wants to do must be STOPPED !! Wild horses are a dying breed because of MAN and Man’s cruelty …… many of our animals have become extinct due the men / organizations and others like BLM ….. so PLEASE STOP BLM …… They should NOT do ANY experiments on these wonderful animals …. just LEAVE THEM ALONE! Man does not want their ” freedom” and ” right to life” taken away ….. so why take theirs away ? It is NOT right to do so.
I think you need to address this post to the BLM directly as here on Carol’s blog it only goes to her readers–fellow members of the “choir,” if you see what I mean.
This is really not the best option for controlling the population of these horses, especially since its for the mere purpose of research. I would not even do third to my own horse or the horses I care for. Not only is this not in their best interest physically,there are mental and emotional scars this practice will cause. I urge you to consider a safer less barbaric method for the well being of these majestic creatures.
Does the Wild horse and burro act of 1971 not protect a wild horse in the womb?
please do not endanger our wild horses by long term sterilization.we want them to stay true to their heritage.they have more rights to be here than we do.they should not be molested.i want generations of my family to be able to see them roaming wild and free
I do not have a strong stomach. However, I can use my imagination. Leave these horses alone.
I do not have a strong stomach. However, I do know the impact experiments on animals have. Please leave these horses alone.
Agee these horse’s should not even be considered for this research project. This is insane and inhumane treatment for our American Wild Horse’s. It is unethical and the suffering these poor animal’s will be subject to is unimaginable. This is pure torturing of these horse’s We need to be there voices to stop the BLM from doing this. This cannot happen if it does it will ruin the horse’s and the genetic pool FOREVER. These horse’s should not suffer from the proposed inhumane treatment, conditions and suffering they all will endure. They are needing families and bands and hormones etc…please stop this now.
Stop all experiments on wild horses!
Thanks, Carol, for the clear instructions on how to contact whom in this endless fiasco. Would you happen to have any info on who at the U of Oregon is involved in this nefarious proposal? I will call there tomorrow if you don’t know, but if you have an idea of where to start–or maybe you know the specifics–that would be great. Thanks again.
Nancy,
I went on the University website & found the dean’s email address! Have no idea if it will do any good – but maybe if they realize how many people are against this kind of experimental research – the publicity angle might work?
Thanks, Maggie. I haven’t had a chance to get on there yet, but I will. I have a contact (a vet) at what I was hoping was the U of Oregon, but unfortunately I now think it’s Oregon State, but still, she might be able to help direct me to a person or department. I will also call there to see if I can get to the department that’s cooperating in this abominable plan. Thanks again.
Ah, wait…it is Oregon State that’s the culprit, not the U of Oregon…I’m on it.
It just seems that the more negative publicity the University receives, they might be hesitant to go ahead with this. I realize they are probably getting a hefty chunk for this “experimental research”, but if they get enough feedback – cant hurt! And yes, Oregon State University. I hope you get in touch with someone soon. I think they have put off the end date for comments, too!
I emailed my contact there yesterday, but of course it was Friday afternoon, and so I probably won’t hear back until next week…and I hope she’s still there, or at least still receiving emails sent to her address there. And I saw that the deadline for comments has been extended, but I can’t remember for how long–do you know?
Absolutely. I think pressure on the university and media attention will be a very good thing.
This is an Outrage ! The amount of abuse that’s already done to these horses and now they want to do this My God ! The horse is what has helped us humans though out the Whole of history ! Your county and mine were built on their back ! Wars fought and won because of them and This is how they are repaid ! What kind of monsters are these people ! To make the mustang extinct from the wild so they can instead destroy the land with cattle and mining ! The people of America need to take back what is there’s , what Their tax dollar has paid for already let alone what it will cost them for this stupid inhumane experiment ! It will mean the complete demise of the mustang forever if this is allowed to go ahead i hope everyone relies that ! The symbol of America and Freedom will be gone forever !
I sent a letter off. Anytime I’ve written no matter how professional and polite it has been, I’ve always gotten a short & curt reply. Will see what happens. I did ask for the part of the law that would allow them to do this.
Thank you for sending the letter Kathy.
Kathy–Did you write to the BLM or to OSU? OI would encourage you to write to OSU (see my post above for email addresses and links for the OSU people to send to. I really think we have a better chance of getting a response from OSU, as we all know, the BLM couldn’t care less about what any of us think. I’m hoping that maybe Friends of animals will consider/has already considered and drawn up a lawsuit to stop this particular proposal from going through.
It would seem that many posting here are doing that with the idea that the BLM will receive/read their comments on this blog. I don’t think that is the case. If you want the BLM to hear/read what you have to say, you have to do it through their system and fill out their form–Carol has provided the link above. I’m always concewrned that well-int=entioned people sound off in comment sections to blogs like Carol’s thinking that they have somehow done their part, when in fact they have done nothing except to preach to the choir. Since the deadline for comments on this proposed “experiment” has been extended (not sure until when), I hope those of you who have posted here will copy and paste your post onto the BLM’s comment form and send it directly to them. If you don’t, your voice will not be heard (Of course, not sure it will be heard/read by the BLM either, but that’s a whole other matter.)
I believe I read (somewhere) that it had been extended to the 10th, Nancy.
And I agree – its really wonderful that people comment BUT as Nancy said earlier – this is preaching to the choir! We all feel that way!
You NEED to go on the BLM’s site & comment – OR maybe send an email to Oregon State University – OR write a letter to the editor of a newspaper. OR all of the above.
It needs to be made public how the public feels. As Nancy said – copy & paste if you are able your post here on the BLM’s comment form & send it directly. The BLM has not made it easy to do that – but at least try.
Yes the deadline has been Extended to February 10, and tomorrow night we are doing a radio show about this on Wild Horse and Burro Radio.
Yes Carol just got Rt’s blog regarding the radio show. Will be sure to listen. Last one was very good (as they all are)
Thanks Nancy. Yes please do send your comments in to the BLM so that they receive them. Please submit your comments by Feb. 10th, by fax or email to the BLM Burns Office, with the heading:
Attention: Mare Sterilization Research
Mare Sterilization Research Project Lead
email to: blm_or_bu_mareresearchea@blm.gov
or Fax: (541) 573-4411
Yes, Carol…I contacted the BLM a week ago when we thought the deadline was the 3rd. I have just now sent off a raft of emails to the OSU people that I named in my post near the top of this thread. I really think we have a better chance of appealing to OSU than we do the BLM. I hope others have written them as well. I’m going to try to find out if Friends of Animals is taking this on–really hope so on that too.
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