Wild Horses, Dragged Away: A Call for Humane Management

Letter to the Editor by Suzanne Roy

The debate over wild horse management on public lands is a contentious one, as highlighted in the New York Times article, “As Wild Horses Overrun the West, Ranchers Fear Land Will Be Gobbled Up.” This discussion raises crucial questions about land management priorities and the treatment of wild horses. The recent roundup of over 800 wild horses in Wyoming exemplifies the ongoing conflict.

Ranchers often view wild horses as competitors for grazing resources and advocate for their removal. Despite this, privately owned livestock significantly outnumber wild horses on federal lands. The romantic image of the Western rancher belies an industry heavily reliant on tax subsidies, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation.

Federal law protects mustangs as symbols of the West, and public sentiment largely supports their preservation. The question remains: should taxpayer dollars continue to fund the roundup and confinement of wild horses, or should we adopt humane management practices? The National Academy of Sciences recommends humane birth control as a viable solution.

If public lands are truly managed in the public interest, the choice is clear.

Suzanne Roy
Director, American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign)
Hillsborough, N.C., Oct. 1, 2014