Watchdog Report: Federal Wild Horses Sold for Slaughter by Politically-Connected Rancher
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has come under scrutiny following a watchdog report revealing the sale of federally protected wild horses to a Colorado rancher, who then sold them for slaughter. This report has sparked outrage among animal advocates and raised questions about the BLM's adherence to federal law and policy.
The U.S. Interior Department's Office of the Inspector General , concluding that the BLM did not follow the law in selling 1,794 horses to rancher Tom Davis. Davis, who reportedly claimed connections to former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, purchased the horses through the agency’s Wild Horse and Burro Program, which aims to protect and manage wild horse populations.
Between 2008 and 2012, the BLM sold horses to Davis for approximately $10 each, despite spending tens of thousands on transport. Davis became the largest buyer of wild horses in the U.S., selling a load of 35 horses for up to $4,000, making significant profits. Despite a contract with the BLM prohibiting the slaughter of these horses, Davis admitted to selling nearly all to Mexico for slaughter.
The report highlighted the BLM's failure to follow its policy of limiting horse sales and ensuring they were not slaughtered, violating both a congressional ban and BLM policy.
The Inspector General's office noted Davis's alleged ties to Salazar, but determined no further investigation was warranted. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the State of Colorado Conejos County District Attorney’s Office chose not to pursue charges against Davis.
The report also found that the WH&B marketing specialist who approved the sales to Davis received positive reviews and bonuses during the period.
'The report paints a picture of government incompetence and a deliberate attempt to skirt the law.'
- Suzanne Roy, director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation)
Animal advocates reacted strongly to the report. Suzanne Roy, director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), criticized the lack of justice for the horses and the insufficient investigation into Salazar's connections.
Laura Leigh of the Wild Horse Education blog expressed frustration with the BLM's response to policy violations, emphasizing the need for accountability to restore public trust.
The BLM stated it takes the findings seriously and has implemented policies to prevent similar situations, including limiting sales to four horses per buyer over six months, ensuring proper care and facilities for the animals.