Twin Peaks, a mountain range just north of Reno, Nevada, is home to over 2,000 wild mustangs that roam free in its open fields. Sadly, however, these horses may soon see a bleak end to their freedom. Nevada's horse roundups have historically been used as a tactic to "manage the growing horse population" in the region. Proponents of the idea claim it helps to preserve the environment, and consequently, the horses and cattle that live in it.

The impetus for the roundups arose as ranchers became increasingly more concerned about the wellbeing of their cattle—cattle that share the same grazing areas with the horses. More than 3 million cows and sheep roam the Western farmlands, compared to only about 27,000 mustangs. Yet the removal of the horses is placed at top priority—just another example of where the motivation for profit trumps any regard for animal preservation.

Though grazing space may be becoming gradually more limited, the methods used to herd the mustangs can be as deadly as the consequences of overpopulation. Herding often involves aggressive and frightening strategies, such as the use of helicopters that hover over the plains and scare the animals into heading the desired direction. This frequently results in stampedes, wherein horses can break their legs and be separated from their young.

Further intensifying this problem is the question of where the surviving mustangs go after the roundup. Some, the BLM claims, will end up in adoption shelters or holding facilities. However, shelter overcrowding is a real threat to the safety of these animals. If they aren't able to be relocated to shelters, the mustangs' future is very uncertain. Though intended as a last resort, euthanasia often becomes the solution to the shelter overpopulation the roundups create.

The BLM plans to extricate over 12,000 horses from their natural roaming plains this year. If successful, the number of mustangs in captivity will outnumber those in the wild. Shelter overcrowding is already a very real threat to the safety of these horses. It's just not statistically possible, given the economy and dwindling rate of mustang adoption, for each horse involved in a roundup to end up in a safe and loving forever home. In fact, it's convenient for the BLM if a certain number of mustangs perish during the course of each roundup, because it means less effort will be required to find suitable homes or shelters for the animals.

The Twin Peaks horses need your help. Please sign the petition urging Bob Abbey, director of the BLM, to cease these inhumane roundups and let the mustangs to continue to roam in peace.

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