Sun editorial:

Save our wild horses

Federal agency may thin herds through euthanasia and sales to slaughterhouses

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008 | 2:03 a.m.

A roundup of wild horses under way in Nevada is once again raising questions about the federal management of these animals that for many people symbolize the spirit of the West.

The roundup — range managers call it a “gather” — is being conducted by the Bureau of Land Management in Northern Nevada, south of Battle Mountain.

A shortage of water and sparse forage are reasons the BLM gives for ordering the gather, which by February will have removed about 2,000 horses and relocated them to fenced-in herd management areas.

One major controversy is these areas throughout the West have become so crowded that the cost of maintaining the captured horses that are not adopted by individuals is exceeding the BLM’s budget. Many wild horse advocates contend the problem is exacerbated by too many gathers.

They say the gathers are leaving so few horses in the wild that their genetic integrity is being endangered.

Another major controversy involves the BLM’s approval of 160 million acres of public land on which about 570,000 head of cattle and sheep graze versus its policy to keep the wild horse population to about 30,000 on 29 million open acres.

These statistics were given in a recent Government Accountability Office report. The report also stated that, because of budget constraints, the BLM is considering euthanizing 2,300 horses that are now managed in HMAs and selling another 8,000 horses for slaughter.

Unfortunately, such actions are permitted under amendments to the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros act of 1971. The BLM has resorted sparingly to such actions out of deference to congressional objections and public outcry.

We are strongly opposed to euthanizing wild horses for the purpose of herd management. We also strongly oppose the sale of horses for slaughter.

Congress should increase the budget for wild horse management, which is a paltry $36.4 million. We also think Congress should study whether more open land could be made available for wild horses. They are, after all, one of freedom’s most cherished symbols.

Discussion: 2 comments so far…

By pasyun8psych

12/24/08 at 9:04 a.m.

Suggest removal

I am in favor of allocating more open land for the wild horses, and increasing the amount of federal dollars spent on the care and welfare of horses, mules, burros, etc.

Why doesn't anyone try to incorporate the welfare of our juveniles in Nevada into a program that would benefit our youth and the horse population? Surely, there must be some in our state who would favor such a psychologically/emotionally rewarding program.

Perhaps the separateness of our "programs and institutions" has been overdone. We think "globally," so why not think "domestically" as well?

Concerned in Carson City, NV
By PreserveTheHerds

12/27/08 at 1:13 p.m.

Suggest removal

What BLM tells the public and what has really been happening are worlds apart! BLM started a massive removal campaign in 2001, since taking over 75k wild horses and burros from the range. Their press releases always tell the public they need to do this either to achieve the national population target they themselves established or to protect them from starvation and/or drought. Many of these "allowed populations" set over the years by BLM would not hold up under legal scrutiny but who is providing oversight? After 7 years of aggressive removals, BLM continues to claim the same number of horses and burros are STILL roaming free but this is IMPOSSIBLE if you look at the numbers! What they are doing is NOT legal! Ten years ago, BLM went from 6k animals in holding to 33k today. They were complaining then about the cost of the program just like they are complaining now. Never mind that ranching costs the taxpayer FAR MORE than the Wild Horse and Burro Program EVER did - they NEVER bring that to anyone's attention, do they? A giant hoax is being perpetuated on us that will stain our Nation with the blood of America's Mustangs and Burros! BLM shrugs their shoulders in mock dismay about how there is "nothing they can do" but it's a big, steamy pile of cow manure, literally, because THEY did it all and have continued to do it at an accelerated pace! A full scale Congressional investigation needs to be initiated to open this giant can of worms and demand some accountability for what they have done!

To learn more, go to www.americanherds.blogspot.com

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