Utah Lawmakers Propose Wild Horse Management Shift from BLM to State Control
Utah lawmakers are pushing for state control over wild horse management, proposing controversial measures such as slaughter and permanent sterilization. This move challenges the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) current policies and has sparked significant opposition from horse advocates.
Legislative Push for State Management
Federal management of wild horses has been criticized for causing ecological and economic issues on Utah's public lands. New legislation aims to repeal the 1971 statute protecting free-roaming horses and burros, promoting state management to reduce horse numbers.
Two bills and an appropriation request support this shift, envisioning drastic measures like slaughter and sterilization. Utah lawmakers and county commissioners argue that the BLM's approach allows horse populations to grow unchecked, harming range health, livestock, and native wildlife.
"The fragmentation coming out of D.C. is tremendous," Rep. Ken Ivory stated. "This is a hell for the ecosystem, wildlife species, and those on the ground. Clearly, we can do this better."
Ivory sponsors HCR22, a resolution urging the federal government to either preserve horse populations humanely or transfer authority to the state.
Opposition from Horse Advocates
Horse advocates reject these proposals, arguing they would face significant controversy. Rep. Keven Stratton seeks $1.1 million to manage Utah's herds, which exceed BLM targets. He supports a state management plan that could include slaughter, a proposal that has drawn criticism.
"Utah is a beautiful state. I would hate to see it get a black eye with these crazy inhumane plans," said Ginger Kathrens, executive director of the Cloud Foundation.
Lethal population control aligns with positions advocated by Interior Secretary nominee Ryan Zinke and the BLM advisory panel, which suggested offering unadoptable animals for sale or humane euthanasia.
Current BLM Roundups and Fertility Control
Ironically, Utah's legislative push coincides with aggressive BLM roundups. Recently, 700 horses from the Sulphur herd were gathered, and the Cedar Mountain herd is currently being rounded up. The BLM plans to administer fertility vaccines to some mares and return them to the range.
Utah operations use PZP-22, a birth control effective for a year or two. Lawmakers want longer-lasting solutions, like GnRH-based vaccines, which horse advocates argue are unproven and could impact natural behaviors.
Suzanne Roy, executive director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), emphasized the importance of preserving natural behaviors that distinguish wild horses from domestic ones.
Controversy Over Slaughter and Meat Sales
Killing healthy horses raises significant objections. While the 1971 Wild Free-roaming Horses and Burros Act allows it, current regulations prevent USDA inspectors from approving horse meat. Utah lawmakers seek to change this to sell meat from Utah horses.
Sen. David Hinkins highlighted the global need for animal protein, noting the lack of U.S. slaughterhouses for horses. Past attempts to export horses for slaughter faced public outcry, leading to intervention by the Interior Department.
Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources has a horse management plan, but details are pending due to uncertainties about state authority. Long-term warehousing of horses is not considered viable.
County commissioners argue that BLM management has led to suffering horses on overpopulated ranges.
Originally posted by Salt Lake Tribune