BLM’s Adoption Incentive Program Funnels Wild Horses & Burros to Slaughter

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Adoption Incentive Program (AIP), initiated in 2019, was designed to increase the adoption of wild horses and burros. However, it has inadvertently led to many of these animals being sold at kill pens and slaughtered. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) has gathered evidence, supported by a New York Times exposé, calling for the immediate suspension and investigation of the AIP.

Background

The AIP offers a $1,000 financial incentive to individuals adopting an unhandled, untrained wild horse or burro, paid within 60 days of the title date. Concerns were raised by AWHC about the potential for disaster, as the program incentivizes individuals who may lack the skills or resources to care for these animals properly. Investigations by AWHC and partners have shown that the program is funneling hundreds of federally-protected wild horses and burros into the slaughter pipeline, costing taxpayers over $4 million.

Wild Horses and Burros Entering the Slaughter Pipeline

• Over 100 wild horses and burros have been identified at livestock auctions known for selling to kill buyers.
• These animals fit the AIP timeframe, arriving in kill pens within 60-90 days of title transfer. Records confirm 17 were adopted through AIP, with more confirmations expected.
• Groups of related individuals have exploited AIP payments by adopting multiple horses, then selling them at slaughter auctions for profit.
• The true number of BLM horses and burros sold for slaughter is difficult to determine due to direct shipping across borders without advertisement.

Severe Cruelty Post-Adoption

Beyond slaughter, many AIP adopters have subjected horses to inhumane conditions, neglect, and abuse. Examples include:

• Cases of malnourished, emaciated horses.
• Documented abuse, such as horses living in unsuitable conditions or suffering severe injuries.
• Horses returned to BLM due to adopters' inability to handle them.
• BLM repossessing horses due to inhumane treatment.

Call for Immediate Suspension

There is compelling evidence that the AIP has become a government-subsidized slaughter pipeline. Despite adopters signing contracts to prevent sales to slaughter, compliance checks are often insufficient or untimely. This program defrauds taxpayers and violates Congress’ ban on selling federally-protected animals for slaughter.

The evidence justifies:

• An immediate suspension of the AIP.
• An investigation into the program and placement of adopted animals.
• Criminal prosecution of adopters violating contracts by selling horses to slaughter.
• Termination of BLM employees who knowingly placed animals in high-risk situations.
• AWHC and partners are ready to provide evidence for an investigation.

A Better Solution

The current cycle of removing horses is unsustainable. The National Academy of Sciences notes that current management practices increase population growth, leading to more removals. The BLM should implement a robust fertility control program and explore humane alternatives, such as relocating horses to Herd Management Areas with capacity.

Media Contact: Grace Kuhn, [email protected]