AWHC's FOIA Fight for Transparency and Accountability in the TIP Program

At the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), we are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability within the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program. Our investigations aim to expose abuse, fraud, and waste, promoting humane treatment and sustainable stewardship of wild horses and burros.

Investigating the Adoption Incentive Program

One of our most notable investigations is into the BLM’s Adoption Incentive Program (AIP). This investigation gained national attention, including an exposé on the front page of the New York Times. We revealed that the AIP was a pipeline to slaughter for hundreds, if not thousands, of wild horses and burros.

Concerns with the Trainer Incentive Program

In 2021, AWHC received a tip that Trainer Incentive Program (TIP) trainers were selling BLM wild horses to slaughter and that one trainer had malnourished animals, raising severe welfare concerns.

An underweight horse in the TIP trainer’s care. Photos were provided to BLM by AWHC.

FOIA Requests and Findings

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request filed by AWHC revealed that a trainer reported an animal death on 10-3-2021. Images showed a yearling in poor condition, and the trainer did not report the animal as ill or losing weight. The records indicated the yearling's death followed prolonged weight loss.

Despite alerting the BLM and the Mustang Heritage Foundation to these violations, the response was inadequate. The MHF claimed no rules were violated, and the BLM suggested filing a FOIA for inspection records.

Legal Action for Transparency

Due to a lack of response from the BLM, AWHC filed a lawsuit demanding records. The BLM eventually released 32 pages of communications, but the records showed minimal internal discussion about AWHC’s report.

These findings highlight the need for continued advocacy and transparency to protect wild horses and burros. AWHC remains committed to filing FOIAs and advocating for humane solutions.

Read the records and the report here.