BLM: Mustangs mistreated, but not inhumanely

Associated Press

RENO, Nev.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s internal review of a wild- horse roundup in Nevada found some mustangs were whipped in the face, kicked in the head, dragged by a rope around the neck, and repeatedly shocked with electrical prods, but the agency concluded none of the mistreatment rose to the level of being inhumane.

BLM Director Bob Abbey did, however, determine additional training is needed for the workers and contractors involved.

Abbey, the former BLM state director for Nevada, said the roundup this summer near the Utah line was done correctly for the most part.

But he said the review cited some incidents of inappropriate practices, including helicopters jeopardizing the health and safety of horses by following too closely or chasing small bands or individual animals for too long.