Comments Call for Increased Fertility Control in Wild Horses

Public comments have been submitted urging the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to enhance fertility control measures for wild horses. These comments highlight the need for humane solutions over the controversial practice of horse slaughter.

Advocacy for Cooperative Efforts

Laura Leigh from Wild Horse Education, a Reno-based organization, emphasized the importance of cooperation between advocacy groups and the BLM. In her email, she stated, “We urge the RAC to support cooperative efforts between advocate organizations and BLM to facilitate water hauls in drought situations. Our organization stands ready to assist with manpower, supplies, and funding if needed.”

Calls for Increased Fertility Control

Two comments specifically called for the increased use of fertility control in wild horses. Wild Horse Education recommended the use of PZP-22 contraception to manage the population growth of wild horses effectively.

Deniz Bolbol from the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) criticized the BLM’s sporadic use of PZP, noting its limited impact. Bolbol also addressed the issue of horse slaughter, stating, “RACs spend considerable time discussing wild horse issues and most ranchers call for the slaughter of horses as a quote ‘solution.’ This is not supported by the American public. Poll after poll has shown the American public supports protecting wild horses and burros on public lands, and that Americans do not support the slaughtering of horses. Let’s work together on a humane, fertility control program.”

Public Opinion on Wild Horse Management

Cheryl Newcombe from Manchester, N.H., submitted a comment advocating for the BLM to leave wild horses undisturbed. She expressed, “They are not bothering anyone. There is plenty of land. We are supposed to be protecting them and not herding them up and slaughtering them and putting them in holding pens.”

Originally Posted By Elko Daily Free Press