Exposed Corruption in BLM Wild Horse Division Triggers Call for Program Hold

Washington, DC (September 5, 2014)– The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign) has called for an immediate halt to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Wild Horse and Burro Program. This comes in the wake of exposed corruption and overpayment of approximately $2 million to the Utah Department of Corrections Industries for questionable and unsupported costs related to the holding and training of capturedmustangs. The Utah Department of Corrections has given theBLM30 days to remove more than 1,100 wild horses currently held at its facility in Gunnison, Utah.

The American Wild Horse Conservation also demands an investigation into the agency’s cover-up of the results of theSeptember 2013 Interior Department Office of Inspector General (OIG) Reportthat uncovered the illegal expenditure of federal dollars.

Below is AWHC's statement:

Another OIG report is expected to be released soon regarding other wrongdoings by theBLMwild horse division, includingthe sale of more than 1,700 federally protected wild horses to a known kill buyerbetween 2009-2012. The OIG has been investigating that situation for more than two years. Meanwhile,BLMofficials associated with the sale have been reassigned or have left the agency.

The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign)is a coalition of more than 50 horse advocacy, public interest, and conservation organizations dedicated to preserving the American wild horse in viable, free-roaming herds for generations to come, as part of our national heritage.

MORE INFORMATION:

• BLM Statement
• OIG Audit Report
• BLM Gunnison Transfer Updates

NEWS:

• Utah ends inmate wild horse program with BLM
• Prison Ends Wild Horse Program, BLM Must Remove 1,100 Horses
• BLM to Relocate Utah Mustangs from Utah Corrections' Program