AWHC's Response to Rep. Tom Cole's Support for Horse Slaughter

American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) responds to Rep. Tom Cole's recent statements supporting horse slaughter. AWHC emphasizes the importance of humane management and the economic benefits of alternative solutions.

Rep. Tom Cole's Statement

Rep. Tom Cole expressed opposition to an amendment aimed at halting U.S. horse slaughter, citing the high costs and environmental impact of maintaining wild horses. He argued that current management methods, such as neutering and adoption, are ineffective and costly.

AWHC Response:

Dear Rep. Cole, regarding your vote for horse slaughter this morning: We appreciate your recognition of the public's care for these beautiful horses. However, we urge you to reconsider your views on U.S. slaughter plants and take a strong stand against wild horse slaughter in the upcoming committee vote. Please consider the following points:

• Your vote today was against the wishes of 3 out of 4 of your constituents who oppose the slaughter of American horses for human consumption by a margin of 73% to 19%. Source
• The 16 long-term pastures in your state that house wild horses are cost-effective for American taxpayers ($1.83/horse/day versus over $5/horse/day for federally-run holding pens) and benefit Oklahoma ranchers who receive contracts to house the horses. Your vote to slaughter these horses is against the economic interests of these ranchers.
• Slaughter is not a solution for wild horse management; birth control is. This was affirmed by the National Academy of Sciences in 2013 and has been proven effective and cost-efficient in decades of use on wild horses and other wild animal populations. It's acceptable to the people you represent, unlike slaughter.

Rep. Cole, we would be happy to brief you on the facts so that you might stand with your constituents and the American people in opposition to horse slaughter and in favor of protection and humane management of our nation’s iconic wild horse and burro herds. While it is too late to change your vote on the horse slaughter plant defund amendment, there is likely to be an opportunity for you to vote next week to protect our nation’s horses, and we hope that you will do so.