U.S. Government's Controversial Wild Horse Sales to Kill Buyer
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is under scrutiny for its controversial practice of selling wild horses to Tom Davis, a known advocate of horse slaughter. This practice has raised significant concerns among animal welfare advocates and the public, questioning the agency's commitment to protecting these iconic animals.
The BLM's Wild Horse Management Crisis
The BLM is responsible for managing and protecting wild horse herds across the American West. However, by March, government pens and pastures were nearly full, and efforts to find new storage space or encourage public adoption had largely failed. This led to a gridlock that threatened legal action and potential long-term damage to the range.
In response, the BLM turned to Tom Davis, a Colorado livestock hauler, who has purchased at least 1,700 wild horses and burros since 2009. Despite signing contracts promising not to slaughter the animals, Davis is a known advocate of horse slaughter and has been linked to the illegal movement of animals across state lines.
Concerns Over Horse Welfare
Animal welfare advocates fear that horses bought by Davis are being sent to slaughter. Laura Leigh, founder of Wild Horse Education, expressed skepticism about the BLM's commitment to protecting wild horses when selling to a buyer like Davis.
BLM officials insist they carefully screen buyers and are confident that no wild horses go to slaughter. However, some BLM employees privately express concerns that the agency may not want to scrutinize Davis too closely due to the pressure to manage wild horse populations.
The Historical Context of Wild Horse Management
Wild horses have long been a symbol of the American West. By 1970, their numbers had dwindled to just 17,000, prompting Congress to pass a law in 1971 to protect them. However, the BLM's efforts to maintain a sustainable balance have led to the removal of horses from the wild, with many ending up in taxpayer-funded holding facilities.
Despite calls for alternative management strategies, such as fertility control, the BLM has made little progress. The cost of caring for unwanted wild horses has ballooned, prompting Congress to pass a 2004 law allowing the sale of old or unadoptable horses without restrictions, though the BLM has been hesitant to do so.
Tom Davis and the BLM's Sales Program
Tom Davis, a longtime horse advocate, has become the BLM's main buyer, purchasing hundreds of horses at a time. Despite concerns about his intentions, the BLM has continued to sell horses to him, citing a lack of evidence of wrongdoing.
However, brand inspection documents reveal that many of Davis's horses have been sent to areas near the Mexico border, raising suspicions about their fate. Texas, where these horses are sent, does not require brand inspections, making it difficult to track their movements.
The Future of Wild Horse Management
Animal welfare advocates argue that the BLM's reliance on Davis is symptomatic of broader mismanagement issues within the wild horse program. They call for a reevaluation of the program's strategies to ensure the protection and preservation of wild horses.
As the BLM faces increasing pressure to address these concerns, the future of wild horse management remains uncertain. The agency's actions and decisions will be closely watched by advocates and the public alike.