Victory in the Senate: Protecting Wild Horses and Burros

November 21, 2017

The Senate Appropriations Committee has taken a significant step in protecting wild horses and burros by maintaining the prohibition against their killing and slaughter. This decision is a crucial victory in the ongoing battle to safeguard these iconic animals from Interior Secretary Zinke’s plans. However, the fight is far from over. Here's a breakdown of what happened and what lies ahead.

Senate's Decision

Yesterday, the Senate Appropriations Committee released its Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations , which maintains the language prohibiting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from destroying healthy wild horses and burros or selling them for commercial slaughter. Additionally, the Senate issued an explanatory report urging the BLM to pursue humane and politically viable solutions for wild horse management.

Public Support

This development underscores the Senate's recognition of the American public's stance against the mass killing or slaughter of wild horses and burros. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who called, wrote, and advocated for these animals.

Next Steps

Since the House passed a version of the Interior spending bill that removed the prohibition on killing healthy wild horses and burros, the final decision will result from negotiations between the House and Senate to reconcile their versions of the bill.

Key Decision Makers

Key figures in these negotiations include the chairs and ranking members of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittees: Senators Lisa Murkowski [R-AK] and Tom Udall [D-NM], Representatives Ken Calvert [R-CA] and Betty McCollum [D-MN], as well as the chairs and ranking members of the full Appropriations Committee: Senators Thad Cochran [R-MS] and Patrick Leahy [D-VT], and Representatives Rodney Frelinghuysen [R-NJ] and Nita Lowey [D-NY].

Timeline and Uncertainty

Senate Appropriations Chair Thad Cochran stated that the Senate aims to complete spending legislation by the end of the year. However, the timeline remains uncertain due to ongoing congressional priorities, including tax reform.

It is likely that Congress will pass another Continuing Resolution (CR) by December 8, extending the current funding and potentially delaying the final decision on the spending bill, including the fate of wild horses and burros, into the next year.

Ongoing Advocacy

The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) has a team of bipartisan lobbyists advocating for mustangs and burros in Washington, D.C. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any developments. Your continued support will be crucial, and we will call on you to make your voices heard at the most impactful times.