What the 2014 Election May Mean for America’s Horses: An Interview with Victoria McCullough

Introduction

The 2014 election brought significant changes to the political landscape, raising questions about its impact on America's wild horses and burros. Victoria McCullough, a philanthropist and equestrian, shares her insights on what these changes might mean for horse protection efforts. McCullough, along with her lobbying team led by Florida State Senator Joe Abruzzo, has been instrumental in advocating for the humane treatment of horses and the preservation of their natural habitats.

Interview with Victoria McCullough

AWHC: Some horse advocates are worried about the outcome of Tuesday’s election and its implication for horses in our country. We are wondering, from your perspective, how the future looks for America’s horses?

McCullough: It is a new day and a new town. Washington will have a whole new color. The Republicans are under pressure to exhibit leadership. We can win here. It’s much better than you may think.

AWHC: Caring about horses should really be a non-partisan issue. Has that been your experience?

McCullough: This has never been a party issue. Our team has support on both sides of the aisle. Your readers should not follow the path of believing that parties win legislation. The truth is that legislation comes about because it’s the right thing to do. Moving forward for horses has never hinged on one party. And we’re very lucky to have an administration that is firmly on the side of protecting wild horses and burros and ending horse slaughter. Remember, the President holds the power of the pen!

AWHC: I was just reading the BLM holding facility reports this morning and the agency has almost 49,000 wild horses stockpiled in pens and pastures. Should we be worried about a move in Congress to authorize the killing of these horses or their sale for slaughter?

McCullough: The Republican Party is now in a serious position to govern and demonstrate leadership. We have many Republican supporters and the Party knows where Americans stand. And remember, the Administration is firmly on the record against horse slaughter and in favor of wild horse and burro protection. It was the Administration, in fact, that inserted the language in the Omnibus Spending bill to stop U.S. horse slaughter when litigation failed to do so. The Administration inserted the same language in the Continuing Resolution to protect horses through 2016.

AWHC: Do you have any advice for horse advocates going forward?

McCullough: Now is the time to work smart for the horses. Although this is an emotional issue for everyone involved, it’s time to replace emotion with facts and intelligent arguments. It’s time for leadership from Republicans and it’s time for leadership from the horse community as well. Take time to do your research, read legislation, ask questions and get armed with the facts. Don’t jump to conclusions. Just because your Representative or Senator did not sign on to the SAFE Act doesn’t mean they are pro-horse slaughter. Give them the benefit of the doubt and take the time to approach them in a respectful and informed manner. We have a great opportunity before us. This lame duck period of Congress can be a most productive time to make progress. It’s time to work intelligently and in a focused and unified way.

The Republican Party talks about values. Values mean character. Character means upholding the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act. Character means respecting horses and not sending them away to die in the most horrible way. Their character will be measured. I promise you, this will be a productive year!

AWHC: Thank you so much for your time and everything you are doing for horses!

Editor’s note: In Nevada, the state where over half of the nation’s wild horses reside, the Republicans swept the Assembly, Senate and the Gubernatorial races. The state senator who spearheaded the legislative effort to prevent wild horses from drinking water in the state is expected to become the chair of the Natural Resources Committee. We’ll keep a close eye on developments there and hope that character and decency prevail.