Our deadline is just hours away – and we’re falling short

Documenting the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) helicopter roundups is critical to not only shining a light on the true consequences of these operations, but also to holding the BLM accountable for the mistreatment of our beloved wild horses and burros. To that end, we’ve assembled and trained a team of photographers and videographers to cover nearly every helicopter capture operation conducted by the federal government this year.

In the past few weeks alone, the dual roundups in Nevada’s Antelope Complex have led to the traumatic deaths of over 26 wild horses, including nearly a dozen young foals. By documenting these tragedies, we’re able to show Congress, the press, and the public exactly what happens during these inhumane helicopter roundups and why we need to change the way the BLM manages our wild herds.

This is essential work. Without the photos and videos from our observers, the public would be in the dark about the dangers that wild horses and burros face during helicopter roundups. In fact, AWHC representatives are oftentimes the ONLY ones on site to document the animal welfare violations taking place.

We’re only about half of the way to our $50,000 Observation Fund goal right now, so we’ve got a lot of ground to cover if we’re going to make it before the deadline. Please, if you can, make a donation and power our observation efforts this roundup season – every dollar helps us continue this vital work.

The evidence of cruelty we’re publicizing is changing hearts and minds, including in Congress. Both the U.S. House and Senate Committees on Appropriations just included bipartisan language in this year’s budget bills directing millions of dollars towards humane fertility control efforts for wild horses and, for the first time ever, the House Committee urged BLM to consider alternatives to helicopters. Our roundup observation program has never been more important. 

But the truth is, it’s grueling work. Our observers go out in the field in all kinds of weather, and watching these beautiful wild animals lose their freedom and families, and sometimes their lives, day in and day out is emotionally draining. It’s also expensive to get our observers out to these remote areas, keep them equipped and in the field with 4-wheel drive vehicles, and provide them with places to stay after long days.

Roundups are set to commence in several more states in the coming weeks. Please help us hit our $50,000 Observation Fund goal by midnight tonight to ensure we can continue this vital work to hold the BLM accountable as we get into the thick of the 2023 roundup season. >>

Thank you. Your passion for helping save America’s wild horses and burros is helping us make a difference.

The AWHC Team