BLM Revives Proposal to Sterilize Oregon's Wild Horses

May 15, 2019

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has reignited the debate over the management of wild horses in Eastern Oregon. This week, the BLM re-published plans for an experimental study on permanent birth control for these horses, echoing a previous proposal halted by a court injunction last year.

The court's decision followed the BLM's roundup of approximately 900 wild horses and burros near Burns, Oregon, in October. Animal welfare groups challenged the agency's plan to spay mares, leading to its withdrawal. However, the BLM has now issued a similar proposal, citing consistent recommendations from the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board and Congress to use sterilization as a means to control wild horse population growth.

Wildlife advocates have responded, stating in a press release that they are "evaluating all legal options." Joanna Grossman of the Animal Welfare Institute criticized the plan, stating, "Severing the ovaries of conscious wild mares under non-sterile conditions in a bizarre attempt to quantify the risks and complications associated with this outdated procedure is beyond the pale. Our wild horses deserve better."

Under the revised plan, BLM veterinarians would avoid operating on pregnant mares. Agency records suggest that surgery would be more cost-effective and longer-lasting than hormonal methods, as existing vaccines lose efficacy within a year.

The BLM is currently accepting public comments on the proposal until the end of the month. Interested parties can submit their comments here.

This article was originally posted by OPB.