PRESS RELEASE

As BLM Continues Seizure on Shoshone Lands, Danns Save Horses from Impoundment

For more information please contact the Western Shoshone Defense Project at 775-468-0230

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FEBRUARY 7, 2003- CRESCENT VALLEY, NEVADA -  Indian horses belonging to Western Shoshone grandmothers Mary and Carrie Dann currently under forcible seizure by the United States Bureau of Land Management will not face impoundment or slaughter due to a late night agreement reached between the Danns and a privately held wild horse preserve.   The US Bureau of Land Management is honoring the agreement transferring ownership and horses seized are now on their way to safe haven. 

“The rescue of these horses firmly opens the path towards the implementation of the Western Shoshone Goodwill Horse Management Program.:”  Stated Chief Raymond Yowell of the Western Shoshone National Council.  “The preservation of these herds is especially significant given the unique Shoshone heritage of the horses.   The horses have been owned and controlled  by Shoshone people for as far back as can be remembered and may in fact constitute their own breed of Indian horses.”

On the morning of Thursday, February 6, Federal agents, aided by Nevada state inspectors and hired cowboys moved in to begin rounding up some 500 horses belonging to the two sisters. The Western Shoshone sisters continue to stand firm against what they consider to be a violation of Western Shoshone sovereignty and jurisdiction to their homelands.

This action by the BLM is  the most recent  phase of an accelerated process kicked off by the United States in May 2002 when agents impounded 136 Western Shoshone Livestock, many belonging to Chief Raymond Yowell. During the second incident, September, 22 2002, a pre-dawn raid was staged resulting in the impoundment of 232 head of cattle belonging to the Dann sisters. Shoshone supporters describe the September action as rife with hostility and intimidation on the part of the BLM.

This third, and presumably final incident is currently in progress.  Although the Dann sisters describe the current BLM operation as being conducted with much more civility and respect than prior actions, they are still standing firm in their resistance and their call for the United States to immediately address the issue of Western Shoshone treaty and land rights.

“The BLM was a Hell of a lot kinder than they have been. In the past they have acted like the cavalry, now they are more civilized.,” states Carrie Dann.    “They are killing us with kindness”   she concludes.

“Although the best scenario would have been to leave these horses on their homelands, especially given the good condition of the horses and the potential harm in moving the pregnant mares and new foals, we are thankful to the many individuals and horse groups who have assisted us in finding alternatives to BLM impoundment of these animals.”   Stated Julie Fishel, Western Shoshone Defense Project.  “We met with the Western Shoshone National Council last Saturday and have had ongoing meetings and discussions with Chief Yowell and horse groups such as the Doris Day Animal League which sent their D.C.  based Director of Special Projects to meet with the Danns personally earlier this week.”   She adds.

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