Amendment Proposes Sterilization as a Solution for Wild Horse Management

The management of wild horses and burros on federal lands is a contentious issue, with over 82,000 animals roaming across 27 million acres. Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) has introduced an amendment to the fiscal 2019 Interior spending bill, proposing the exploration of permanent sterilization as a solution. This move has sparked debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups.

Proposed Amendment Details

Rep. Chris Stewart plans to introduce an amendment during the Interior-Environment bill's markup, allowing the Interior Department to consider permanently sterilizing wild horses and burros. This proposal comes as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) struggles to manage the growing populations, which impact vegetation and soil resources.

The current fiscal 2019 Interior-Environment spending bill includes a rider for the "humane transfer" of excess wild horses and allows collaboration with nonprofit groups for their long-term care. This aligns with previous spending bills that prohibit the BLM from using federal funds to sell or destroy the animals.

Controversy and Opposition

Stewart's amendment aims to provide a "starting point" for permanent sterilization, contrasting with the temporary birth control method PZP, which he claims is ineffective. The amendment differs from a previous proposal that allowed the BLM to sell or euthanize excess animals, which was excluded from the Senate's version of the fiscal 2018 bill.

Suzanne Roy, executive director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), criticized the amendment, labeling it "inhumane, barbaric, and unscientific." She emphasized that it contradicts the principles of humane wild horse management supported by over 100 welfare organizations.

BLM's Management Challenges

The BLM has faced difficulties in managing wild horse herds, which can damage natural resources. A recent 45-page report outlined options for managing these populations, including sterilization and fertility control, but did not endorse any specific approach. In May, the BLM launched Online Corral, a website to promote the adoption of wild horses and burros from federal rangelands.

Originally posted by E&E News