This week’s E-news is full of actions you can take to protect wild horses, updates on a recently introduced bill that could put more mustangs and burros in danger of slaughter, and a touching tribute to the well-lived life of American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC) board member Dr. Joan DeVanzo.
Two Actions You Can Take for Wild Horses Right Now
1. Protect the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horses
Have you taken action for the Little Book Cliffs wild horses? If not, now’s the time to do so! There are only four days to add your name to AWHC’s public comments calling for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to collaborate with local groups, like Friends of the Mustangs, to expand the Little Book Cliffs humane in-the-wild fertility control programs rather than round up this historic herd. Take action for the Little Book Cliffs Herd!
2. Speak up for the North Lander Wild Horses
Wyoming’s North Lander Complex wild horses need your help! In just a few weeks, the BLM is set to begin the largest wild horse roundup of the summer season, removing over 2,700 North Lander wild horses from the wild and returning up to 40. Even worse, the BLM has left the door open to castrating up to 95% of the returned stallions as well as the implementation of unproven Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) in returned mares and the widespread use of the unstudied vaccine Gonacon. Call on the BLM to abandon its use of permanent sterilization in the North Lander herd!
A recently introduced bill, H.R.8541 – the Wild Horse Integrity and Slaughter Prevention Act, would reduce the title waiting period to six months (from one year) for all adopted horses and burros. This increases the risk of abuse and/or the likelihood that the adopter will resell or “flip” their mustang or burro for profit. Read more about AWHC’s opposition to this bill in its current form.
Earlier this year, Joan, an esteemed member of the AWHC Board of Directors, passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. AWHC’s executive director attended her Celebration of Life last month. For two hours, more than 100 of Joan’s friends, family, and colleagues gathered to honor her memory and celebrate her many accomplishments. Read more about her legacy for wild horses and beyond.