Interior Chief's Inaction on Wild Horse Protection

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell promised to review the National Academy of Sciences’ two-year study on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) wild horse program and implement necessary changes. However, despite the study labeling the program as an 'expensive failure,' no significant actions have been taken. Jewell's spokesperson has indicated that there is no timeline for changes, leaving the program's future uncertain.

The BLM continues to conduct wild-horse roundups, disregarding the study's findings. This decision has sparked outrage among those advocating for the humane treatment of wild horses, as the program currently costs $77 million annually and confines 49,000 horses in pens.

The BLM prioritizes selling cattle-grazing, oil-drilling, and mining leases over the welfare of wild horses. They justify the removal of horses with claims of drought-induced starvation, public safety concerns, and lack of range space, despite Nevada having over 70 million acres of land.

In Carson City, wild horses were removed from land near the BLM office under the guise of 'public safety.' The BLM's methods, including the use of helicopters and shock prods, have resulted in the deaths of thousands of horses, violating the Free Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971.

Despite the efforts of advocates like Wild Horse Annie, who fought to ban helicopters, the government continues to undermine the law. Jewell's inaction has allowed the continuation of this inhumane program, drawing criticism from those who demand accountability and change.

Originally Posted By Reno Gazette Journal