BLM Reforms Aim to Prevent Wild Horse Slaughter

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is taking significant steps to prevent wild horses and burros from being illegally sold for slaughter. This initiative follows reports of abuse within the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Incentive Program, where adopters have been found selling these animals for slaughter after receiving incentive payments.

The BLM announced new measures to ensure the health and safety of adopted animals. These include increased compliance visits post-adoption, enhanced scrutiny of potential adopters, and warnings to sale barns about the risks of illegal sales.

BLM Deputy Director for Programs Nada Wolff Culver stated, "We are committed to the health and safety of adopted wild horses and burros. While most adopters provide a good home, we are taking additional steps to secure the welfare of these animals."

The BLM is also conducting an emergency removal of approximately 450 horses from the West Douglas Herd Area due to extreme drought and the impact of the Oil Springs Fire. These horses will be relocated to a holding facility in Canon City for adoption.

The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) has reported that 89 animals from the incentive program ended up in kill pens recently. The organization emphasizes that the elimination of cash incentives is crucial to prevent further abuse.

BLM's new measures include inspecting adopted animals within six months, rather than waiting until the title transfer at 12 months. The agency is also exploring changes to federal regulations to strengthen protections for these animals.

For more details, visit the original article by The Daily Sentinel.