Katherine Heigl Joins Effort to Save Utah’s Famous Herd of Wild Horses

The famed Onaqui wild horses of Utah face an uncertain future as the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans a roundup of 400 horses, leaving only 121 behind. These horses, once captured, may never roam their ancestral lands again. Actor Katherine Heigl, known for her animal welfare advocacy, has joined the fight to protect these cherished animals.

Heigl, who resides in Utah, emphasizes the importance of the Onaqui horses to the region's beauty and economy. She urges the BLM to adopt humane management practices, such as fertility control, instead of cruel helicopter roundups. Heigl's campaign is supported by Animal Wellness Action, the Animal Wellness Foundation, and the Center for a Humane Economy.

Heigl is actively promoting the cause through billboards and social media, reaching over 5 million followers. She encourages the public to take action by visiting saveonaqui.com.

The debate over managing wild horse populations in the U.S. is contentious, with the BLM aiming to reduce numbers to protect fragile habitats. Critics argue that livestock grazing, not wild horses, is the primary cause of rangeland degradation.

After the Roundup

Captured wild horses are vaccinated, branded, and often castrated, with many remaining in BLM-contracted facilities. Some are put up for adoption, but investigations reveal that many end up in slaughter plants. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) and The New York Times have highlighted this issue, urging for better management practices.

Originally posted by Treehugger