The State of Play in DC: How You Can Help Protect Wild Horses

As the summer recess continues in Washington D.C., the threat to wild horses remains. Despite the congressional break, efforts to authorize the slaughter of over 90,000 wild horses persist behind the scenes. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and certain congressional members are working to remove protections for these animals.

In September, the Senate will return to address the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. This legislation could either protect wild horses from slaughter or, as the House version suggests, authorize their killing. It's crucial for the Senate to uphold protections to ensure a favorable outcome in the conference committee. We urge you to contact your Senators and advocate for the protection of wild horses in the Senate Interior Appropriations bill.

Previously, the House of Representatives removed a key provision preventing the BLM from destroying healthy wild horses. This change is part of a larger "megabus" bill, which faces strong opposition. Grassroots action is essential to influence the House to oppose the slaughter of wild horses, aligning with the views of over 80% of Americans.

Meanwhile, the BLM continues its campaign to promote horse slaughter. Utah State University recently hosted a closed-door meeting, excluding public and press participation, to discuss the future of wild horses. This event, dubbed the "National Wild Horse and Burro Summit," featured pro-slaughter organizations but barred wild horse advocates. According to Suzanne Roy, Executive Director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), this secretive meeting aims to eliminate wild horses from public lands.

As the fiscal year ends on September 30, discussions about government shutdowns and budget resolutions will intensify. Opponents of wild horses may attempt to insert language into crucial legislation that permits their mass slaughter. However, with your help, we can prevent this. Please contact your Congressman and Senators, urging them to protect wild horses and oppose any backroom deals that threaten their existence.