BLM 2018 Data: Mismanagement of Wild Horses and Burros

BLM 2018 Data – More Mismanagement of Wild Horses and Burros

The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) 2018 data on its Wild Horse and Burro Program highlights significant issues in managing these iconic animals on public lands. The year saw increased removals, decreased use of fertility control, and controversial sales policies, raising concerns among conservationists and the public.

ROUNDUPS AND REMOVALS

Despite warnings from the 2013 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report, the BLM increased roundups and removals in FY 2018, permanently removing 11,472 animals from public lands. This number is nearly three times the removals in FY 2017. The number of wild horses and burros in holding facilities rose to 50,935, consuming a significant portion of the program's budget.

The BLM used "emergency" designations to expedite removals, often bypassing environmental assessments. In Nevada, an emergency removal was halted due to flooding, revealing the questionable nature of such designations. Observers noted the brutal treatment of animals during helicopter roundups, with multiple complaints filed regarding violations of welfare standards.

FERTILITY CONTROL

In 2018, the BLM continued to ignore NAS recommendations to increase fertility control use. The number of mares treated with fertility control dropped from 777 in FY 2017 to 702 in FY 2018. Instead, the BLM pursued permanent sterilization methods, which faced public opposition and legal challenges.

ADOPTIONS AND SALES

Adoptions decreased in FY 2018, while sales increased significantly, aided by a new policy allowing the purchase of up to 24 animals at a time. This raised concerns about the potential for horses to be sold for slaughter. The BLM's efforts to move horses from adoption to sales categories quickly were also criticized.

2019 PLANS

The BLM's 2019 plans include reduced roundup targets but no increased use of fertility control. The agency rescinded its controversial sales policy and introduced a new adoption incentive program, raising concerns about the potential for failed adoptions. The 2020 budget proposal includes significant cuts, threatening the future of wild horses and burros.

Despite these developments, the BLM continues its "business as usual" approach, ignoring scientific recommendations and public concerns. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) remains committed to advocating for humane management practices.