Protecting Devil's Garden Wild Horses: AWHC's Efforts
The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) is actively working to protect the Devil's Garden wild horses in California. These federally-protected mustangs are at risk of being sold for slaughter, and AWHC is taking significant steps to prevent this. Our efforts include legal actions, public support campaigns, and legislative advocacy to ensure the humane treatment of these iconic animals.
Current Efforts to Protect Devil's Garden Wild Horses
Here’s an update on the work we’re doing:
- Federal – We are closing the loophole that allows the Forest Service to bypass the Congressional ban on selling wild horses for slaughter. We have engaged California Senator Dianne Feinstein, who responded with a strongly worded letter to the Forest Service.
- State – In collaboration with Assemblymember Todd Gloria, we generated a sign-on letter from 23 California legislators opposing the Forest Service’s plans. We have also requested the Attorney General's intervention to enforce California's ban on horse slaughter.
- Legal – Partnering with the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Meyer Glitzenstein and Eubanks, we are pursuing legal action to prevent the sale of these wild horses without slaughter limitations.
- Public Support – Our outreach has generated thousands of communications to the Forest Service and resulted in extensive media coverage. We have daily observers onsite documenting the roundup.
- Rally – We are organizing a rally on October 24, 2018, at the U.S. Forest Service Region 5 headquarters in Vallejo, California.
- Placement – We are seeking safe homes for the rounded-up Devil’s Garden horses.
- Long-term Management – We have proposed a pilot fertility control program and financial compensation for ranchers to reduce livestock grazing, offering humane management solutions.
How You Can Help
- Donate to support our legal fund to continue fighting in court.
- Contact the U.S. Forest Service and your representatives to advocate for the horses' protection.
- Join our rally on October 24, 2018 to show support against the federal government's plans.
- Contact local volunteers if you have placement ideas for the horses.
- If you’re from California, thank the officials who have supported the Devil’s Garden horses.
Bottom line: Our activism is working. The Forest Service has extended the period during which horses will not be sold for slaughter. While the horses aren't safe yet, we have their attention and must continue our efforts!