SAVE Havasupai Horses

15/06/2024

*** Havasupai boy WHIPS a running Pack Horse for No Reason**

A hiker just posted this “ cinematic style ” video in a Havasupai hiking group which shows a Havasupai boy whip an *already running* pack horse, for no reason. It’s very sad that is what they teach their children. The “cracked whip” sound effect was added by the person who created the video.

13/06/2024

This headline is actually incorrect. **HUNDREDS** of people have fallen sick at since mid-May. Reports from hikers indicate that large numbers of people have gotten sick with an “unknown” gastrointestinal illness. Some have been hospitalized, and many were vomiting while waiting in line for the helicopter.

So far the Havasupai Tribe has only issued a statement about the purity of the spring water in the campground. They are not warning people who are hiking down right now or planning to come in the next week. This situation is yet one more example of the chaotic and mismanaged operations at Supai.
If you go to Supai, under no circumstances should you ever rent a pack horse or mule. Please help spread the message!

Dozens of hikers who visited Havasupai Falls at the bottom of the Grand Canyon this summer are leaving one of America's most treasured national parks with an...

12/06/2024

In response to our recent posts, some tribe members have reached out to us or posted comments on our page. We have also seen some posts by tribe members expressing frustration about how the abuse and neglect is allowed to continue.

We understand that there are many people in Supai who love their animals, and they are just as frustrated as we are. We have urged them to pressure their tribal council to *ban the abusive packers* and also let animal welfare groups in on a more regular basis to assist with the horses, dogs and cats.

The problem is a lack of consistency and follow through by the tribal council, and also a lack of support for the animal control officers, who should be able to do their jobs without feeling threatened.

The good people of the tribe must stand up their leaders and demand that their animals be treated better. We will continue to provide resources to those in the tribe who ask for help, and also continue to expose the abuse and neglect until it is no longer allowed to continue.

09/06/2024

*** Another Eyewitness Account of Abuse in Havasupai****

Hiker A.A was also there May 23-26, 2024. This hiker has also reported to the BIA and tribal animal control.

After reading PLEASE SEND A GROUP EMAIL to the ALL of following demanding action: ( copy and paste these emails)

[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

“On the hike down we encountered a few groups of horses heading to the top with bags. The horses all avoided eye contact, hung their heads down and looked miserable. They were super dirty and looked like they had sores and scars all over them. Each group had a local riding a horse at the back. All except one younger person was whipping the horses and yelling to keep moving. The first man started to yell at one of our group members for videoing the horses and made him delete the video (which we later recovered).

The horses were all tied together, with no room to really move. The nose of the behind horse was literally an inch from the in front one’s butt. We even saw horses trying to stop walking and being dragged along (still standing) by the group.

While in camp multiple dogs came through scavenging for food scraps. These poor dogs looked grossly, underfed, dirty, and you could tell they had bugs or fleas of some kind. These dogs have never gotten proper veterinary care, and they looked so sad and miserable. When I tried to approach the dogs, they would hit the deck, obviously preparing for the abuse that they’re used to receiving from humans. When we would try to call them over to give them food, they would divert their eyes and try to hide. These dogs have probably never lived a day without fear and abuse.

On Sunday 5/26 I was walking into the village and encountered a group bringing bags down to camp. The horses looked ill. One horse was desperately trying to stop walking. They had a younger horse they were trying to “break”. The rider was nonstop whipping the horse as it fought him and was trying to buck. The horse came at me twice and tried to bite me. They had no control over it and if I wouldn’t have jumped into the bushes, I would’ve gotten very hurt! I also called out to the riders that two horses were struggling and they ignored me.

On the way I walked past multiple homes that had dogs tied up, in direct sun with no water. I encountered a few children carrying around puppies in doll clothes and throwing the poor babies around like they weren’t living beings.

When I got to the village, I could’ve cried. All the houses have dogs and horses tied to poles with less than 6ft of rope. They have no shade from the sun and some weren’t even by a water source! I tried to take a picture of some horses that were flesh and bones but the locals started yelling at me and making me feel very unsafe since I was alone.

When I got to the cafe area in the village, I was appalled. There are homeless dogs wandering everywhere. They are all dirty and way too thin. Their fur is lacking shine which is sign of neglect. They also won’t make eye contact or approach humans which is another sign of abuse. The dogs also all lay on the ground and divert their eyes as soon as locals spot them.

I was sitting on the cafe steps with 3 puppies sleeping on the ground in front of me. Two children came out of the cafe and the little boy walked across one puppies ribs and then when the puppy tried to be pet he smacked the dog across the face with his tablet! I audibly gasped at this and the parents said and I quote “don’t do that when THEY’RE around”… obviously they have no respect for animals lives. Then while sitting across from the helicopter landing, I watched time and time again as locals yelled at dogs, kicked them, threw sticks and just bullied the poor animals! None of them are spayed/neutered and you can tell they all have had litters. The dogs are so unsafe and not cared for. Some dogs I saw trying to hunt for scrapes in the trash and would be chased away. It’s digesting treatment of living animals!

I wanted to take some dogs with me but I felt so unsafe around the locals. The elders gave off a cruel and controlling vibe. Multiple people asked me in disgust, as to why I was waiting so long in the village and kept looking over my shoulder to make sure I wasn’t taking photos. I’ve rescued dogs before and this was such a blatantly obvious case of neglect and abuse. The locals have no respect or concern for the lives or safety of any of the animals there. They see the visitors as a paycheck and nothing else. They don’t use any of that money to help their animals or give them even a shred of a quality life. These animals need help! “

07/06/2024

** Breaking News!! **

A hiker who was in Havasupai May 23-26 shared this with us. She has also sent this to the BIA and contacted the tribe’s animal control. As a result of her efforts, one horse has been taken into custody by animal control and they are attempting to help some more. This only happened because this hiker was willing to make an effort!! We have more I eyewitness accounts coming soon!!

“I visited Havasupai at the end of May and wanted to let you know I am writing to vehemently express my outrage and disgust at the abhorrent treatment of pack horses and mules at Havasupai Falls. During my recent visit, I witnessed firsthand the blatant neglect and abuse of these animals, which is both heartbreaking and infuriating. The conditions these animals endure are nothing short of torture. Many of the pack horses and mules I observed were emaciated, covered in open sores, and clearly suffering from untreated injuries. It was painfully obvious that they were being overloaded with excessive weights that far exceed their physical limits. Additionally, the wranglers were even using cattle dogs to bite the legs of the horses to force them to run faster up the rugged uneven terrain despite carrying heavy loads in the grueling heat. We also saw severely emaciated horses tied up to posts on the left as we entered the village. This level of cruelty is inexcusable and demands immediate intervention. To make matters even worse, these animals are deprived of basic necessities such as water, food, and rest at the hilltop after making the trek from the village in the unforgiving heat and rugged terrain of the Havasupai region, this abuse and neglect is nothing less than a death sentence. Denying them these essentials is a gross violation of any humane standard and a blatant disregard for their lives. I demand that the Havasupai Tribal Council take swift and decisive action to put an end to this barbaric treatment.

I also called your office and was completely dismissed and told to call animal control. Upon speaking with animal control to file my complaint, I learned that not only have they not received the support they need to execute their duties in terms of enforcement to protect the animals, but the last time they acted, their tires were slashed in retaliation. This is deplorable and inexcusable!

The following measures must be implemented without delay:

1. Immediate and thorough veterinary assessments for all pack animals, as well as the starving horses that living on the reservation, with urgent treatment provided for those in need.

2. Strict regulations to ensure that animals are given adequate food, water, and rest breaks, particularly during the grueling journey to and from Havasupai Falls.

3. Enforceable limits on the weight and volume of loads assigned to each animal, ensuring they are not overburdened.

4. Comprehensive training for handlers on humane treatment, with severe consequences for any violations.

5. Transparent monitoring and reporting mechanisms to hold all parties accountable for the welfare of the animals.

6. Severe consequences including fines and seizure of animals for non compliance.

The continued neglect and abuse of these animals is a stain on the reputation of Havasupai Falls and its management. Allowing this cruelty to persist not only undermines the natural beauty and cultural significance of the area but also reflects a profound moral failing. As someone who treasures the natural wonders of Havasupai Falls, I implore you to act immediately to rectify this situation. The world is watching, and it is imperative that you demonstrate a commitment to ethical and humane treatment of all creatures within your care.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical issue. I expect to see substantial and immediate changes to ensure the well-being of the pack animals and to restore integrity to Havasupai Falls as a responsible and humane tourist destination. “

04/06/2024

We just updated the email address. If your email bounced back, please try again. Thank you.

*** URGENT - PLZ TAKE ACTION !! ***

A hiker who was there May 23-26 saw several “ emaciated” horses tied to poles in a corral off the main trail.

“ I saw at least two and one was dark brown and one was light brown but they had a lot of horses tied to poles. I saw two for sure that were literally starving to death. “

It is is **CRITICAL** that as many of you as possible send an email to animal control and insist that they help these horses! Please be firm but civil.

[email protected]

Havasupi Tribal Council
P.O. Box 10
Supai, AZ 86435

We are also working behind-the-scenes to try to get some action
from the BIA.

Thank you!!

31/05/2024

** Report of Emaciated Horses in the Village of Supai**

This hiker and her companion were in May 23-26.

On Thu, May 30, 2024 at 2:26 PM (name redacted) wrote:

“I don’t have any videos or photos 😕 but I will say we did see open wounds on one animal and then my camp mate saw a trail of blood. There was horses in the village severely emaciated. One of our camp mates was videoing and they stopped and made him show that he deleted the video of the horses going by. “

This hiker has agreed to report the starving horses to BIA Law Enforcement. This is not the first time we have heard of people being forced to erase photos or videos. Contrary to what the tribe and their paid public relations firm continue to state, they are still allowing tribe members to starve and abuse their animals. Why aren’t they enforcing their own animal welfare code?!!!

30/05/2024

Thank you to reporter Dana Gentry at the Nevada Current for highlighting this situation. Please share!

When Californian Diane Phillips returned home from her trip to the Grand Canyon last year, her first impulse was to put up billboards notifying others of what she witnessed. “I just thought if we let everybody see what is really going on, we could stop the abuse of these animals,” she said of th...

22/05/2024

Are you a public relations professional, or do you know someone who is?

The Havasupai Tribe has a paid public relations firm in Phoenix that consistently uses messaging that skews the reality of the animal abuse in Supai and deflects the responsibility of the tribe members who perpetuate it. SAVE is seeking a professional PR person to help us combat this.

If you have public relations experience and are willing to assist in some way, please DM us.

Thank you!

09/05/2024

It’s no wonder that photos and reports from hikers have slowed to a trickle. The tribe has doubled down on the “ no photos” rule for the packers and pack animals. Wonder why? 🤔

HAVASUPAI TRIBE LAW AND ORDER CODE
CHAPTER 18. TOURISM18.7 CAMERAS

Supai is a living community and the privacy of its residents must be respected at all times. Tourists or Outfitters taking pictures or video of tribal members, their homes, or the village is strictly prohibited, unless advance written permission has been granted by the Tribal Chairperson or Tribal Council. Cameras must be put away between the first home south of the village and the last home on the trail to the waterfalls. *Pictures of Tribal members or their *animals on the trail may only be taken with the permission of the individual packer. Cameras used for taking video or photos in prohibited areas may be *confiscated and persons who violate this Section may be liable for a civil *fine of $250.00 and *expulsion from the Reservation.

24/04/2024

We just found this comment on TripAdvisor from last November. If you go, please DO NOT USE THE PACK HORSES/ MULES.
If you are going to and see injured, bleeding or starving animals or NO WATER at Hilltop, take PHOTOS and mark the location on GPS.

26/03/2024

*** Early giving has begun ***

This is Teardrop, before and after rescue! SAVE was directly involved in getting this abused horse out of Supai and safely to Healing Hearts Animal Rescue and Refuge where he received lifesaving care. Teardrop was eventually adopted out to a loving home. Please support our friends at Healing Hearts! 🐴 ❤️

https://www.azgives.org/healingheartsaz

29/02/2024

*** IMPORTANT ***

Has anyone from Nevada been to Supai and seen the abuse? If so please DM us. 🐴 🙏

Thank you

21/02/2024

*If you choose to comment on their post, we ask that you be civil.

13/02/2024

Save yourself $400!!

Don’t hire the pack animals at Havasu Falls
If you already paid for this “service” cancel your reservation.
Your money is not refundable but you can consider it a charitable donation to prevent an abused equine from one more day of abject misery. Please don’t let your fun trip cause unnecessary harm to innocent animals.

01/02/2024

*** Havasu Falls is opening soon. Please spread the word! **

Copy and paste this flyer anywhere you see the comments about visiting or or or

06/12/2023

*** Message from our founder ***

01/12/2023

*** Witness statement - Danielle Yoder ***

I give full permission to share my thoughts and experience at Havasupai.

Initially I very excited to visit such a beautiful landscape. My excitement quickly turned into a horrific experience. I was startled to see the condition of the horses and b***os (clarification: mules) at havasupai. Not only were they clearly worked to death, malnourished and so many had visible injuries but were made to keep moving in a manner that offered no shade, no breaks, and in a manner that drags many of the horses to keep going no matter what. As an athletic adult I know how hard that uphill trek was and saw many of the people walking up struggling to do so. If not stopping excessively. Including myself . I had to take numerous breaks. These horses were not only made to scale it nonstop without stops, they were carrying packs upon packs well over any carrying limit a horse or b***o should have. Let alone on such a treacherous hike . I’ve seen horse rides in the past and all of them had a certain riding weight limit . There seemed to be none. The horses were carrying at least 6 bags each. Many several boxes ! Grand in size. ***They were always sweating profusely***
As an avid horse rider, if your horse is overheating like that you need to STOP. Give them water and take a break. There was no water in sight. Not even up where they were kept and held waiting for the next round of 20 mile plus torture. If they slowed , the man weighing at least 300 lbs would start whipping and hollering at them. I can’t imagine the abuse that went into such submissive beings . Knowing if they stop or slow the consequences. It really sucked the joy and beauty out of the experience for me. I was miserable. I cried. I couldn’t think about anything but the horses. I dreaded when I would have to see another group come by and feel helpless to their suffering. Having to sit back and watch them all as if they don’t matter. When they were all clearly suffering. The gentleman even offered to take us as well to the waterfall on horse back. I wanted to curse him. I wanted to tell him how horrible he was to do this to these animals . I was in shock the entire time. I wanted to give the horses love and care and water . I was stunned by how anyone would accept . They all had to carry so much baggage. Finding out they have other means to transport the goods to the waterfall is appalling to consider why the torture then of innocent souls. I am part Cherokee. However I have always admired the native cultures and customs. I was so disheartened to see the decimation of the connection and beauty they cherished and held value over their land and animals more than money. Yet what I saw was not that spirit. Seems the spirit of the native tribes seems lost in a white mans culture of greed and capitalization. They clearly get a lot of money for their “attraction”, as it is clearly that now and not an astounding beautiful natural spectacle. But rather a settlers point of view of tell tale signs of money over matter. There was clearly no care for the land and animals. Just profit in mind. Sadly I cannot imagine what their ancestors think of who they have become for money. Selling their souls and the souls that are not rightfully theirs to sell as servants of their every wish despite their pain and agony. I am disappointed so very deeply in the spirit of the native system that now seems lost. The magic , the preservation, the oneness . Is all gone. All for the dollar. How is this allowed to happen on American soil? It is clearly abuse, there needs to be standards and regulations. Are they exempt because native land? How can this be? These animals are suffering in broad daylight for all to see. They need to be stopped. Maybe reminded as well of how their ancestors before them valued their land and animals, crops and such. How they valued morality and not money. This cannot be allowed to continue. This is pure neglect and suffering . It should not need to be explained. Some should just know this. Sadly they do not. I expected more from beautiful native lands. Asked to govern these lands properly . I expected respect of the land and beings upon it. I saw the worst neglect however I’ve ever seen so blatantly in the US. I’ve seen such things in Mexico and third world countries. This is inexcusable. No one should be supporting this and everyone should be speaking up against this injustice. Stop funding this and voice their concerns . I ask that you hear my voice and the harrowing silence from these horses that you end the suffering of these beautiful animals who cannot speak . We must be their voice

01/12/2023

Our founder Susan Ash’s talk at the Equus Film Festival in Albuquerque.

23/11/2023

18/11/2023

** Susan Ash is speaking Sunday at 9 am at the EQUUS Film Festival in Albuquerque NM. EQUUS Film & Arts Fest

EQUUS Albuquerque November 16 - 19, 2023

15/11/2023

*** SAVE just received this email from a hiker ****

Hello Susan,

I am reaching out because I had planned a trip of a life time to the beautiful waters of Havasupai. My trip included a pack mule. I was excited for the trip, I read all of the literature I received from the tribe after checking in. I read the sections on Pack Mules many times. I noted the weight of my bags and the number of bags. I brought carrots and peppermints to reward the pack animals.

11/10/23 I started my hike early with my brother (about 7am). We left our bags at the top of the trailhead/parking lot. And headed toward Supai.

I am sure this beginning sounds like a lot of the testimony you receive.

About 90min into our decent we saw a team of pack animals. I said good morning to the guy wrangling the team. He did not make eye contact or say anything and the animals looked terrible.

I grew up with horses, on a ranch. My brother and I were in 4-H for the horse classes. We have taken care of equine on and off our entire lives. I have a step-mother who rescues mules and now volunteers for the Prescott, AZ Equine Emergency Evacuation of Yavapai County. I say this to explain that I know what a healthy horse or mule looks like. I don’t think you need to have that background to know that these animals are in trouble but it’s helpful.

I tried to reason with myself that these are how these animals are. They have a tough life, but there are areas that make up for what they do, day in and day out. Like minerals, feed, water, days off. . . Then I saw another team. Same thing, bad shape. Then another team. Same thing. Then another. . . you know where this is going.

I’m broken hearted because I used this service thinking I was supporting the tribe and their animals. I am angry that I didn’t do more research. I am REALLY upset that I didn’t document with photos what I saw.

Recent observations of when I was in Supai (11/10/23 about 10:30am) was most of the animals were tied to posts. Which is odd because I am pretty sure most of these animals are ground tied and are not going anywhere. Specially being in a pen. They did not have grass to graze on and the small individual plastic troughs that feed is kept in was empty. I did not see water. I did see animals nibbling at their own manure.

All of these animals are underweight. And all of these animals have hair missing from gear wearing on them, saddles, pack saddles, cinches, straps, drops, breast collars.

Right out side of Supai right after we crossed the biggest bridge I saw a large bone with some tissue on it. The dogs had been working on it but it was still red and gross. At first I thought it was a cow bone, but now I am pretty sure it was a horse bone. It was about the size of a horse’s cannon.

11/12/23 We came out of the canyon and watching the group of pack animals that had our bags climb the last 1.5-2 miles uphill with about 1,000 ft gain in elevation. My heart knew these animals are f*cked, sorry for the language.

About 11am at the top of the hill in the parking lot I noticed small sores wearing on a few of the animals where the corners of the saddles sat or where a strap would rub. I can’t imagine what their backs look like when the saddles are not there.

I saw the team that had our bags jog up the last climb. They were not all tied together but there were groups of 3 that were tethered together and moved up the hill pretty fast. They took a neighboring more rugged trail. While one of the wranglers (there were 2 of them) was blaring rap music.

I saw a shoe split in half from being so worn down and eventually thrown by the animal.

I saw a very large man try to lift a bag that was going to go onto a pack animal to take supplies down to Supai. This bag was a big, black bag that they placed things like drinks and other supplies in. This large man had a hard time lifting the bag. The bag had to be at least 50 lbs. We did not see any of these bags being weighed before being placed on these animals.

I cannot imagine watching these animals do what they were doing in the heat.

As soon as I got into service I started looking for other accounts thinking that were similar to mine. I thought I was crazy missing this ugly secret to the Havasupai experience. NO ONE mentions this at all. I found your site. While looking around for answers I have not seen a lot to recent posts about the pack animals. Do people not see what I am seeing or has it gotten better?

I am mad at myself. I have never been in this situation and I wish I would have been a better advocate for the animals. But here I am, I want to help.

I am going down your checklist of people to contact and things to do. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.

I wish I did more.

-Sara

30/10/2023

*** Interview w/ recent eyewitness of horse neglect/starvation ***

*If you saw abuse or neglect in your visit please DM us.

Please email Secretary Deb Haaland and ask her to intervene: [email protected]

19/10/2023

*** A Message from our Founder ***

16/10/2023

*** STARVING HORSES ***

Please email Secretary Deb Haaland and ask her to intervene!

Email: [email protected]

*** Update Tuesday Oct 17th: the hiker who took this photo called the BIA and sent in a photo. The BIA officers found the animals and identified the family who owns them. They have notified Tribal animal control but that is “all they can do.” Stay tuned for further updates. We are working behind the scenes to get these horses out.

This photo was taken Friday, October 13th by a hiker. These starving horses are right off the main trail in the village of . The horse on the right is HUNDREDS of pounds underweight. Look at the tailbone, hips and withers. 😡 The hiker who took the photo is making a formal report to the BIA and asking them to CHARGE the OWNERS with neglect/animal cruelty and asking tribal animal control to take these horses into custody. She said they were “eating their own f***s

03/10/2023

***New report from hiker who came out on Sept 26th***

The tribe and their PR machine (HMA Public Relations in Phoenix ) continues to insist that things have improved for the pack animals at . These photos prove otherwise.The continual rubbing of poorly fitted tack from RUNNING THE! ON THE TRAIL causes PAIN, bleeding and scarring on many of these animals. Please note the comment from another hiker who saw an “ amputated hoove” the day before this hiker came out. The abuse, neglect and torture of these hard working animals is INEXCUSABLE. Please call the tribe and Secretary of Interior Debra Haaland and insist that they STOP the abuse by certain WELL KNOWN tribal packers/ wranglers!!

***********************************************************
Please SHARE and email/call/ send letters to the Tribe and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland:

Havasupai Tribe
[email protected]
928-433-8130
PO Box 10
Supai AZ 86435-0010

Secretary Deb Haaland
Dept of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington DC 20240
Instagram:

25/09/2023

*** Eyewitness Report from J.B. ***

I recently returned from Havasupai this week. I have owned horses for pleasure for years and worked on a cattle station in Australia for 10 years so am very familiar with both the pet aspect of horses and working animals for livelihood.

On the hike in, I saw a commotion in the canyon with a wrangler whipping up a frenzy in the scrub. When I got to a spot I could clearly see, he had left and a lone mule (see photo) was far in the distance. He stood there for a long time. I wanted to hike over and see if he was hurt but didn't want to be confronted by a wrangler coming up.

The day I hiked out, several of the wranglers ridden horses came up top heaving from heavy riders on their back. One was sweating profusely.

No water at top and many of them went to the empty tank, hoping for a drink.

**I witnessed one pack horse being dragged by the wrangler on his horse, he did not want to walk. When he got to the top, I could see he was limping**

It's just upsetting to see the thirst for water at the top. Tourists were giving the dogs that came up their water and acting so concerned about them but they don't seem to worry about the horses…..bizarre.

***********************************************************
Please SHARE and email/call/ send letters to the Tribe and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland:

Havasupai Tribe
[email protected]
928-433-8130
PO Box 10
Supai AZ 86435-0010

Secretary Deb Haaland
Dept of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington DC 20240
Instagram:

17/09/2023

Please SHARE and email/call/ send letters to the Tribe and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland:

Havasupai Tribe
[email protected]
928-448-2731
PO Box 10
Supai AZ 86435-0010

Secretary Deb Halland
(202) 208-3100
Dept of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington DC 20240
Instagram: