BLM Budget Proposal: Euthanasia for Unadoptable Wild Horses

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has proposed a controversial budget for fiscal year 2018, which includes the possibility of euthanizing wild horses and burros that cannot be adopted. This proposal aims to address the growing population of these animals on federal rangelands and the escalating costs associated with their care.

BLM's Budget Proposal

The BLM's $1.1 billion budget request for 2018 suggests reducing the number of wild horses and burros through "humane euthanasia and unrestricted sale" of animals that cannot be adopted. This measure is seen as necessary to manage the estimated 73,000 wild horses and burros on federal lands and the nearly 50,000 animals already in holding facilities.

According to the BLM, the Wild Horse and Burro Program is unsustainable in its current form. The proposed budget would cut funding for the program from $80.5 million in 2017 to $70.7 million in 2018, with savings achieved by reducing horse gathers and selling older, unadopted animals.

Legal and Financial Challenges

Under the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, the BLM has the authority to sell and euthanize excess horses. However, since 2010, Congress has prohibited the use of federal funds for these purposes. The BLM argues that the current population of wild horses and burros exceeds the sustainable level of 26,715 animals, and the agency lacks the resources to manage the excess.

The BLM's statement emphasizes the need to use all management tools provided by the Act, including removing restrictions on the sale and disposition of excess animals. The agency believes that reducing the cost of caring for unadopted animals will allow for better management of population growth and habitat health.

Opposition and Advocacy

The proposal has faced strong opposition from congressional Democrats and wild horse advocacy groups, who argue that mass roundups and euthanasia are inhumane. Suzanne Roy, executive director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), expressed outrage over the lack of stronger language against horse slaughter in the budget provision.

Polls indicate that a significant majority of Americans oppose horse slaughter, and advocates argue that the will of the people should guide the management of wild horses and public lands.

Support for the Proposal

Some organizations, such as the Wildlife Society, support the BLM's proposal, arguing that selling or euthanizing excess animals is necessary to address the growing herd sizes. They contend that on-range populations exceed sustainable levels and that direct removal is the only effective solution.

BLM's Resource Strain

The BLM currently spends about $50 million annually to care for nearly 50,000 wild horses and burros in offsite facilities. Former BLM Director Neil Kornze has stated that the agency is overwhelmed by the growing herds, which are causing environmental harm to rangelands.

Balancing the care of wild horses with rangeland protection has been a challenge for the BLM. While some advocate for reducing livestock grazing, others support the removal of nonnative horses.

Historical Context

The idea of euthanizing unadopted horses has been considered before. In 2008, the BLM proposed euthanasia to control populations but later withdrew the proposal. The National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board has also recommended aggressive steps to sell or euthanize horses in holding facilities.

Despite these recommendations, the BLM has not followed through with euthanasia plans, facing opposition from lawmakers and the public.

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