Tonto National Forest Defends Wild Horses While Apache Sitgreaves Fails
The Tonto National Forest (TNF) has taken a commendable stand in defending the humane treatment of wild horses, contrasting sharply with the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest (ASNF), which recently transported 45 Alpine wild horses to a Texas kill pen. The TNF's efforts are part of a humane management program under Arizona State law, implemented by the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG) in partnership with the AZ Department of Agriculture. This program includes a successful fertility control initiative that reduces the population size without resorting to removals.
Legal Victory for Tonto National Forest
The lawsuit against the TNF, filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and sport hunting groups, aimed to overturn this humane management program. However, it was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. This legal victory underscores the effectiveness and necessity of the TNF's approach.
Stark Contrast with Apache Sitgreaves National Forest
The difference between the TNF and ASNF's approaches to wild horse management is stark. While the TNF is celebrated for its humane practices, the fate of the 45 Alpine wild horses at the Bowie, Texas slaughter auction remains uncertain. This facility is notorious for shipping horses to Mexico for human consumption.
Take Action
Contact U.S. Forest Service Officials and demand immediate action:
- Randy Moore, Chief of the US Forest Service: (202) 205-1661
- Tony Scardina, Chief of Staff: (202) 205-1132
- Christopher French, Deputy Chief: (202) 205-1689
- Michiko Martin, Region 3 Forest Supervisor: (505) 842-3301
- Gina Sampson, Chief of Staff (Region 3): (505) 842-3305
“I am appalled by the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest's decision to ship 45 wild horses directly to a kill pen, ignoring humane alternatives. This blatant disregard for the horses’ well-being and the public's interest is shameful. I call for an immediate halt to all horse removals from the forest and urge better, humane solutions. The Apache Forest should follow the Tonto National Forest’s lead in managing wild horses humanely. Under no circumstance should the Forest Service ever send horses captured from our public lands to kill pens and slaughter auctions.”