President's FY20 Budget: Lives of American Wild Horses and Burros at Risk

Washington, DC (March 11, 2019) — The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) issued a statement in response to the President's FY 2020 Budget Request, highlighting the risks posed to wild horses and burros due to proposed budget cuts.

The President's budget guidance continues the mismanagement of—and provides roughly $5 million less for—the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program, putting the lives of tens of thousands of mustangs and burros in jeopardy.

Instead of cutting the already over-burdened program, Congress should answer the President's request with common sense solutions. Congress should pass a spending bill that directs BLM to reprioritize its spending away from cruel, costly, and unsustainable roundups to more science-based, cost-effective, and humane management on the range with proven fertility control.

While we are awaiting the details of the President's budget, we know that last year the BLM delivered a report to Congress that outlines four options for wild horse and burro management, all of which include the destruction of healthy wild horses and burros and unlimited sale for slaughter—something the overwhelming majority of Americans oppose. It seems BLM has run out of ideas and should look to Congress for real solutions that a majority of Americans can support.

The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) is dedicated to preserving the American wild horse in viable, free-roaming herds for generations to come, as part of our national heritage. Its grassroots mission is endorsed by a coalition of more than 60 horse advocacy, humane, and public interest organizations.