California Attorney General Warns U.S. Forest Service: Selling State’s Wild Horses for Slaughter Violates the Law
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has issued a stern warning to the U.S. Forest Service regarding the sale of wild horses for slaughter. In a letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Chief of the U.S. Forest Service Vicki Christiansen, Becerra emphasized the legal implications of such actions, urging a reversal of the decision to offer California’s wild horses for sale without restriction.
California law explicitly prohibits the possession or sale of horses with the intent of using them for human consumption. Additionally, federal law restricts the Department of the Interior from selling horses for commercial products. Historically, the Forest Service has adhered to these laws, but recent policy changes threaten this compliance.
“To slaughter for commercial consumption mustangs that have roamed California for over a century is not only atrocious, but unlawful,” said Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “These majestic animals captivate the imagination and symbolize the rugged independence of the American West. We urge the federal government to treat the Modoc National Forest and its wildlife with the respect that it is due by protecting these beautiful wild horses from the commercial slaughterhouse.”
Wild horses in California roam across public lands, including the Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory in Modoc National Forest. The Forest Service initiated a roundup in October to manage horse populations, aiming to gather 1,000 protected wild horses.
Attorney General Becerra's letter warns that selling horses for human consumption is a felony under California law, carrying a potential penalty of up to three years in prison. The Forest Service plans to auction the horses in two phases, initially prioritizing adoption with conditions to comply with California law. However, after January 10, 2019, sales may proceed without restrictions, risking legal violations.
In his letter, Becerra cautions Secretary Perdue that reversing the department’s policy could lead to legal consequences for both the Forest Service and buyers.
110918 Becerra letter to USDA regarding wild horse slaughter by LakeCoNews on Scribd