Breaking Scandal: BLM Rounding Up Wild Horses, Sending to Slaughterhouse in Canada

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is facing significant backlash after reports surfaced of their involvement in rounding up wild horses in Wyoming and subsequently sending them to a slaughterhouse in Canada. This incident has sparked outrage among wild horse advocates and added to the ongoing scrutiny of the agency's practices.

Controversy Surrounding the BLM

The BLM has been embroiled in controversy following a high-profile standoff at the Bundy Ranch in Nevada. The agency's recent actions in Wyoming have only intensified public scrutiny. Reports indicate that BLM agents herded a large group of wild horses, handing them over to state authorities who then sold them to a Canadian slaughterhouse.

This development has incensed advocates who were already critical of the BLM's handling of the Bundy Ranch situation, where officers were accused of shooting multiple cows.

Advocates Speak Out

Paula Todd King, a wild horse advocate with Colorado’s Cloud Foundation, criticized the BLM's approach, stating that more effective methods could have been employed to prevent the horses from being sent to slaughter indiscriminately.

Despite federal protections for wild horses, the BLM argues that these animals do not qualify for such protection, claiming they are strays from rodeo horses of decades past. King questioned this rationale, asking, “How long does a horse have to live wild and free before it’s considered wild?”

Details of the Roundup

The roundup, which occurred about a month ago, resulted in the sale of over 40 horses to an Alberta-based slaughterhouse for $1,640. BLM spokesperson Sarah Beckwith stated that the process adhered to existing laws, with sale notices posted in local post offices.

BLM Senior Ranchland Management Specialist Robert Bolton noted the unusually large number of horses involved, explaining that most impounds typically involve fewer animals.

Increased Public Scrutiny

While such roundups are not uncommon, the BLM's perceived overreach in Nevada has heightened public awareness and criticism of the agency. Previously, the BLM operated largely unnoticed compared to other federal departments, but recent events have brought their actions into the spotlight.

Originally Posted By Western Journalism