Forest Service Relents on Protecting Wild Horses from Slaughter
The Forest Service has temporarily halted a controversial proposal to sell wild horses from California's Modoc National Forest without ensuring their protection from slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada. This decision comes amidst a federal lawsuit challenging such sales without limitations.
A Forest Service spokeswoman, Babete Anderson, confirmed that sales are currently limited to prevent human consumption while the lawsuit is resolved. This move is seen as a victory for congressional leaders and animal rights advocates who oppose selling wild horses without protective measures.
Suzanne Roy, executive director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), expressed concerns that the Forest Service continues to pursue sales without limitations, despite plans for another large roundup of wild horses from Modoc this fall.
The American Wild Horse Conservation is part of a coalition that filed a lawsuit challenging the roundup and future sales of these animals. During a recent court hearing, a Justice Department attorney stated that selling captured animals without limitations is a last resort for horses that cannot be adopted or sold with restrictions.
Anderson noted that the Forest Service has successfully adopted out most of the 261 wild horses held at Modoc, with efforts ongoing to find safe homes for the remaining horses.
Congressional Action
The fate of the 261 wild horses removed from the Devil's Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory remains uncertain. Congressional leaders continue to oppose any sales without limitations, fearing the horses could end up in slaughterhouses abroad.
A bipartisan group of 64 members of Congress recently urged the Agriculture Secretary and Forest Service Chief to cancel any planned sales without protective measures. The House appropriations bill now includes provisions preventing the destruction or unrestricted sale of wild horses by the Forest Service.