Concerns Over Yakima Wild Horse Roundups Addressed by Return to Freedom
The Yakama Reservation, spanning over one million acres in Southwestern Washington, is home to approximately 12,000 wild and feral horses. In an effort to manage their population, the tribe is conducting roundups shortly after foaling season, affecting horses of all ages, including mares with nursing foals. Reports indicate that these horses are being sent to Bouvry Exports, LTD, a Canadian slaughter plant.
Return to Freedom (RTF), a national wild horse preservation and sanctuary organization, has received numerous inquiries from concerned individuals nationwide. Despite attempts, RTF has been unable to confirm or deny reports of abuse or the plan to remove eight thousand horses this year with the Yakama Tribal Council.
On June 3rd, Marika O’Brien, RTF's Special Projects Coordinator, volunteered in rescue efforts, witnessing the plight of 49 orphaned foals, many just days old. These foals, separated from their mothers, struggled to survive in a kill buyer’s corral, while their mothers were loaded onto trucks bound for slaughter.
“We felt it was imperative that we observe the situation first hand,” said Marika O’Brien. “What we have witnessed is two hundred wild horses at a feedlot near the reservation, with rescue groups and individuals ready to adopt the 49 orphaned foals.”
Joe Tafoya, a former NFL player and horse preservation advocate, expressed his concerns: “With so many solutions available for humane treatment and management of wild horse populations, it’s hard to understand why slaughter is the current practice. Cooperation can lead to better outcomes.”
In January 2014, a Yakama Tribal Council member mentioned their search for solutions to the wild horse population issue. RTF is prepared to collaborate on a multi-pronged approach to population management but opposes the ongoing commercial exploitation of horses.
Similar roundups are reported in other Pacific Northwest reservations. RTF urges the Northwestern Tribal Horse Coalition to lead in humane management and alternatives to slaughter, benefiting horse herds and local communities.
“The adoption of 49 foals in 48 hours shows that 80% of Americans oppose the horse slaughter industry,” said Marika O’Brien. “Horse lovers traveled from Idaho, Montana, and Oregon to care for the foals.”
Recently, the US House and Senate supported defunding horsemeat inspections, preventing US slaughter facilities' operation but not stopping horses from being sent to Canada or Mexico for slaughter. Until federal legislation bans horse slaughter and transport for slaughter, America's horses remain at risk.
Traditionally, Native Americans do not kill nursing animals. The current treatment of nursing foals indicates a departure from these traditions. RTF calls upon Traditional Tribal Elders for leadership and is taking steps to convene a tribunal to reassess the Native American stance on wildlife and horse management.
Originally Posted By Return to Freedom