The BLM Should Not Be in Charge of Wild Horses

Concerning the Bighorn Basin horses bound for slaughter in Canada, there seems to be a misconception that the 37 horses purchased by Bovary Exports have already been slaughtered. Not so. They are in a holding facility in Shelby for 30 days, but the clock is ticking. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) has hired an environmental attorney to assess the situation to see if any laws were violated by the agencies involved and to negotiate with the killer buyer about potential release to horse rescues.

Technically, the BLM had the legal right to seek removal of these horses as non-permitted, unbranded strays. That said, the Cody BLM and the Wyoming Livestock Board knew full well (or should have) that horse rescue groups have been ready, willing, and able to take horses in this situation. Advertising in two small local Bighorn County newspapers that these horses would be gathered and could be claimed by their owners is certainly inadequate public notice.

I find it hard to fathom that the Wyoming Livestock Board's brand inspector did not realize that horses offered for sale at the Worland Livestock Auction would be picked up by predatory killer buyers.

The BLM should be removed from the national Wild Horse and Burro Program — period. Traditional horse haters should not be in charge of wild horses. We need another plan and a new agency, but only Congress can make that change.

Patricia M. Fazio, statewide coordinator Wyoming Wild Horse Coalition

Cody, Wyo.

Originally Posted By Reno Gazette Journal