Pauls Valley Off-Range Corrals Adoption Event Report
Pauls Valley Off-Range Corrals, located an hour south of Oklahoma City, serves as a resting point for wild horses before they head to adoption events across the central and eastern United States. This facility, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), spans 400 acres and can accommodate up to 600 horses. Currently, it houses around 500 horses.
The gates opened at 8 AM, and initially, there was minimal activity. By 10 AM, only three trailers were present, and the adoption event began with a briefing on the program. Despite the muddy conditions due to recent severe weather, the event proceeded with about 70 horses available for adoption, primarily weanlings and yearlings.
Unfortunately, only three horses were adopted. This highlights the need for reform in the BLM's Adoption Incentive Program (AIP), which offers $1,000 incentives to adopters. However, this program has faced criticism due to reports of abuse and horses being funneled into the slaughter pipeline.
The Adoption Incentive Program Needs Reform
Currently, 64,000 wild horses and burros are in government holding facilities. The BLM's AIP, introduced in 2019, has been controversial due to its cash incentives. Investigations by the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) revealed that some adopters exploit the program for financial gain, leading to horses being sold at slaughter auctions.
Since the AIP's inception, over 1,000 wild horses and burros have ended up in kill pens. Reports indicate that some adopters are motivated solely by the financial incentive, with little regard for the animals' welfare.
The Burden on Wild Horse Rescues
Rescue operations, such as Windwalker Ridge Mustang Sanctuary and Skydog Sanctuary, are crucial in saving these animals. However, they face inflated prices from kill buyers, making it challenging to rescue horses from slaughter.
There is a Better Way: Veterinary Vouchers
Reforming the AIP by replacing cash incentives with veterinary vouchers could provide a sustainable solution. These vouchers would support adopters with initial care costs, ensuring horses receive necessary veterinary attention and reducing the risk of them entering the slaughter pipeline.
Investing in proven fertility control methods can decrease the population growth of wild horses and burros, reducing the need for costly and inhumane roundups. This approach can protect equine families and improve the adoption program.
Public Education
Educating the public about the responsibilities of adopting a wild horse or burro is essential. Prospective adopters must understand the financial and logistical commitments involved in providing proper care for these animals.
The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) urges the BLM and Congress to replace cash incentives with veterinary vouchers, allocate more funds to fertility solutions, and implement a rigorous adoption process. These steps are vital for the responsible adoption of wild horses and burros and the improvement of the BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Program.