The Best and Worst of 2019 for Wild Horses
2019 was a year of significant developments for wild horses in the United States. While there were legislative victories that protected these majestic animals, challenges also arose from federal policies and industry groups. This article explores the best and worst moments of 2019 for wild horses and burros, and what lies ahead in 2020.
The Best
1. Congress Prohibits Forest Service from Selling Wild Horses for Slaughter
Outrage over the U.S. Forest Service's plan to sell wild horses from the Modoc National Forest led to a ban on such sales. This decision was supported by political leaders and resulted in Congress adding a wild horse slaughter ban to the Fiscal Year 2020 spending legislation. Read more here.
2. California Passes Bill to Protect Horses from Slaughter
California strengthened its laws against horse slaughter with AB 128, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. This legislation aims to better enforce the state's anti-horse slaughter law. Read more here.
3. Nevada Reinstates Fertility Control Program
Nevada reinstated a successful fertility control program for the Virginia Range mustang herd, making it the largest of its kind globally. Read more here.
4. Trump Administration Removes Lethal Management from Consideration
The Trump Administration pledged to avoid lethal management of wild horses, recognizing public opposition to such measures. Read more here.
5. Congressional Efforts to Limit Funding for Harmful Plans
Congressional leaders, led by Chairman Raul Grijalva, sought to limit funding for plans that could harm wild horse populations. Read more here and here.
6. Congress Members Advocate for Wild Horses
Numerous Congress members, including Rep. Grijalva and others, advocated against the abuse and slaughter of wild horses. Read more here.
The Worst
1. Collusion on Mass Mustang Removal Plan
Animal welfare groups and the livestock industry supported a plan to remove 130,000 wild horses, raising concerns about potential lethal management. Read more here and here.
2. BLM Director Scapegoats Wild Horses
BLM Director William Perry Pendley faced criticism for blaming wild horses for public land issues, despite their minimal presence on these lands. Read more here.
3. BLM Adoption and Sale Program Raises Concerns
The BLM's new adoption incentives raised concerns about the welfare of adopted horses, with reports of increased relinquishments. Read more here.
4. Increase in Wild Horses Ending Up in Kill Pens
There was a notable increase in wild horses appearing in kill pens, raising concerns about BLM's sales practices. Read more here.
5. BLM Roundup Abuses
BLM roundups in 2019 led to the loss of freedom for many wild horses, with reports of inhumane treatment during these operations. Read more here and here.
6. BLM Fails to Use Humane Management Tools
Despite the availability of humane fertility control methods, the BLM continued to rely on roundups, neglecting more humane alternatives. Read more here.
What’s on Deck for America’s Wild Horses in 2020?
The New Year promises challenges, including accelerated roundups and potential legal changes. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) remains committed to protecting wild horses and burros on public lands.