Introduction
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently held a national Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board meeting in Salt Lake City. The meeting, attended by the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), highlighted significant issues in wild horse management, including controversial sterilization proposals and the looming threat of mass slaughter. This report delves into the key discussions and decisions made during the meeting.
Advisory Board Dynamics
The situation on the Advisory Board has deteriorated with the appointment of Callie Hendrickson, a pro-slaughter cattlewoman, representing the public. Her presence has amplified the livestock industry's voice on this biased board, promoting anti-wild horse propaganda. During the meeting, Hendrickson presented a video lacking context, showing thin horses and overgrazed areas without mentioning livestock grazing impacts.
BLM wild horse division chief, Joan Guilfoyle, praised the board's diversity, despite its pro-slaughter bias.
The Elephant in the Room: Slaughter
BLM Assistant Director Ed Roberson addressed revelations about the agency selling wild horses to Tom Davis, a known kill buyer. He mentioned an investigation was underway, but the Advisory Board did not question this issue. The specter of mass slaughter loomed as the BLM discussed its crisis with 50,000 wild horses in holding facilities and plans to round up more.
BLM Advisory Board member Jim Stephenson openly called for slaughter, while Callie Hendrickson suggested selling horses as a tough choice.
Sterilizing Wild Mares
The Advisory Board recommended spaying wild mares, claiming PZP birth control is ineffective. Despite the lack of scientific support, BLM's Dean Bolstad expressed intent to implement this policy. Spaying is a dangerous procedure, and even BLM's veterinary advisor warned against it. The agency continues to underutilize proven birth control methods like PZP.
Two lawsuits by AWHC have prevented the BLM from castrating wild stallions, and efforts continue to protect wild mares.
BLM's Broken Approach
The BLM's budget reveals a continued focus on roundups and removals, with minimal investment in birth control and range management. Deputy Division Chief Dean Bolstad cited holding costs as a constraint, yet the agency ignores options like reducing livestock grazing and properly utilizing PZP.
The BLM's approach suggests a preparation for mass slaughter, underestimating public opposition to such measures.
Drought Concerns
The BLM expressed concerns about drought impacts on wild horse herds, with climatologist Jan Curtis providing an inconclusive outlook. Dean Bolstad highlighted areas affected by drought and wildfires, noting emergency removals in several HMAs.
The agency's failure to adopt effective on-range management has exacerbated the current crisis.
Other Meeting Highlights
BLM Utah Wild Horse Lead Gus Warr noted Utah's significant wild horse population and drought concerns. BLM Division Chief Joan Guilfoyle announced hiring Dr. Carolyn Stull to refine animal welfare programs and the creation of a public resource page on the BLM website.
BLM Wild Horse and Burro Specialist Zachary Reichold reported on holding space availability and ecosanctuary developments.
Recommendations from the Advisory Board included forming a financial committee, encouraging mare spaying, and considering public suggestions for self-regulating horse populations.