The 20 Wild Horses that Sparked a Slaughter Investigation
In March 2022, a pivotal moment occurred for the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) when 20 wild horses were discovered at the Cleburne Livestock Auction in Texas. This discovery launched an investigation into the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Adoption Incentive Program (AIP), revealing significant flaws and abuses.
Breaking Down the Adoption Incentive Program
The AIP offers adopters $1,000 to adopt up to four wild, unhandled BLM horses or burros. This incentive is paid in two installments: the first $500 within 60-90 days of adoption, and the second $500 within 60-90 days of the title date.
One of AWHC’s rescue partners, Evanescent Mustang Rescue and Sanctuary (EMRS), alerted our team to 20 BLM mustangs, including foals and pregnant mares, at the Cleburne Auction, a location frequented by known kill buyers. We provided EMRS with funds to support the rescue, and all horses were saved. EMRS then shared the titles and ownership papers for these horses, now known as the “Cleburne 20.”
The New York Times Exposé
The Cleburne 20 became the focus of a New York Times exposé on the AIP, following months of investigative work by AWHC. Reporter Dave Phillips contacted one of the owners, Gary Kidd, who admitted to exploiting the program with his family. They adopted horses under the BLM's allowance of four horses per adopter.
Legal Battles and Findings
While we had verbal confirmation from the New York Times about the AIP adoption, written proof was elusive until recently. Confirming AIP horses involves identifying them through titles or BLM freeze mark brands and submitting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for adoption records. Often, these records are delayed or withheld, necessitating lawsuits.
AWHC sued to obtain records for the Cleburne 20 and won. We received adopter names, AIP payment dates, and adoption contracts, which included agreements not to sell the animals for slaughter. Intriguingly, the records showed that the horses were sold to kill pens before the second AIP payment, yet payments were still issued.
Systemic Flaws and Abuse
This case highlights flaws in the BLM's program, where the agency fails to verify horse locations between compliance inspections and final payments. The Kidd family exploited these flaws, profiting $30,000 from taxpayer funds and auction sales.
Rescue and Ongoing Efforts
The “Cleburne 20” are now safe in a sanctuary, where pregnant mares have given birth, and families remain together. We are grateful to EMRS and others who helped rescue these and hundreds more horses sent to kill pens.
Despite BLM's 2021 program reforms, wild horses and burros continue to end up in slaughter auctions. AWHC remains committed to investigating, documenting, and rescuing these animals, while also fighting to end the AIP through lawsuits and congressional mobilization.
The fight is ongoing, and we are determined to see the end of this detrimental program.