Working Together to Rescue 20 Mustangs from Slaughter

On July 26, 2022, the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) released a groundbreaking investigative report on the deadly consequences of the Adoption Incentive Program (AIP). On the same day, we partnered with Skydog Sanctuary to rescue 16 BLM-branded wild mustangs from a notorious kill pen in Eaton, Colorado.

The saga of these horses began in Worland, Wyoming, on July 16th, when a group of 26 BLM-branded mustangs were sold through an auction frequented by kill buyers. Two mustangs were rescued by another organization, and AWHC was pleased to support their transport and bail through our Rescue Fund. Four of the horses were bought by a horse trader, and the remaining 20 were purchased by a kill buyer who exports horses to Canada for slaughter.

We feared these mustangs were destined for a brutal end. However, just days later, they appeared at another slaughter auction, only days away from shipping. Recognizing this as their last chance, we, alongside Skydog Sanctuary, sprang into action.

Skydog found placement for the 16 remaining horses that had not yet been rescued, and we again utilized our Rescue Fund to help cover the costs of this massive rescue operation.

These horses fit the pattern of AIP victims: young, around 2-3 years old, and unhandled. Thanks to the swift actions of ground rescues, they now have their whole lives ahead of them. They are among the lucky few, as our report shows that the AIP is causing a massive influx of unhandled wild horses and burros into the slaughter pipeline. While we can't save them all, we are committed to shutting down this pipeline created by the cash incentive program.

Rescues of this scale are costly, and we need to ensure we have the funds to continue saving our iconic wild horses and burros from slaughter. Please help us refuel our Rescue Fund today to assist more horses in need. Thank you for your continued support.