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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

The American Wild Horse Campaign’s Investigations Team has uncovered some dark information about the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s summer 2022 roundup in the Twin Peaks Herd Management Area (HMA).

Here’s the grim truth of what happened, and how our Investigations Team was able to uncover it: 

The Twin Peaks HMA is located on the California/Nevada border, spanning an impressive 800,000 acres of land. This beautiful HMA was home to over 3,000 wild horses and burros before the helicopters descended on the expansive western landscape. The agency rounded up 2,450 wild animals, including many young and vulnerable foals who were just born only a few months before.


Photo of the 2022 Twin Peaks roundup by RJ Stein Photography

The BLM reported 31 deaths during the roundup, but when our team dug in and submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, we uncovered the heartbreaking reality – 69 additional animals died at the government holding facilities during and immediately after the roundup.

Fourteen of these deaths were very young foals, who were chased by helicopters in high summer temperatures, and for long distances over rocky terrain. The records we received revealed the brutality and pain they endured. One note in the death records stated: “This foal was unfortunately found dead in one of our isolation pens…foals are foundering due to being run too far during the gather.” Another revealed: “…suspect this foal’s death was from the stress of being run long distances in rough terrain and in high temperatures.” And there were many more notes just like those. It was heartbreaking.

Not only that, but during the roundup there were several very concerning animal welfare violations that occurred. Our observers on the ground documented BLM-contracted helicopters chasing far too many wild horses into a small pen, causing the pen to collapse. Two horses died, several were injured, and the contractor’s staff was placed in danger.

This roundup was conducted in extreme heat and the horses were chased long distances. AWHC brought these concerns to not only the onsite BLM Incident Commander, but also sent a formal complaint to BLM leadership. Despite this, there were no changes implemented during the roundup.

The animal welfare violations we documented and the records we received pulled back the curtain on the BLM’s inhumane Wild Horse and Burro Program and illuminated the impact of summer roundups on the most vulnerable animals. Meredith, AWHC is committed to using this information as a catalyst for change. We will work tirelessly to hold the BLM accountable for its actions and continue to advocate for improved policies and practices that prioritize the welfare of these magnificent creatures

Your support will empower us to amplify these records, engage with policymakers and mobilize our grassroots army. Together we can create a brighter future for America’s wild horses and burros. 

But we can’t do it alone. If you are able to, will you please chip in to support our work? Our Investigations Team is at the forefront of uncovering the reality far too many wild horses and burros face at the hands of the federal government. Your donation will go a long way towards supporting our work to protect wild horses and burros.

DONATE TODAY →

Thank you for stepping up and supporting wild horses and burros.

AWHC Investigations Team

Litigation Update: How we’re fighting for our wild herds in the courtroom

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

Our wild herds are safest in the wild, where they can roam free with their families. But thanks to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) inhumane management policies, these innocent wild equines are being deprived of their right to live free on western public lands where they belong.

That’s why we’re working every day to put an end to brutal helicopter roundups and keep wild horses and burros out of overburdened holding facilities. Today, we’d like to tell you about some of the important legal work we do to protect our wild herds.If you can, will you chip in to help us power our Legal Fund and then read on to learn about how we’re fighting to protect wild horses and burros in the courtroom? >> 

FUEL OUR LEGAL FUND →

These wild animals cannot defend themselves in our legal system. That’s why we are dedicated to being their voice in the courts of law. And Meredith, when we sue, we win. 

We are currently in the midst of two intense legal battles in federal court. Most recently, we filed suit in Wyoming, continuing a decade-long litigation battle against the BLM over the agency’s plan to remove every single wild horse from the Great Divide Basin and Salt Wells Creek Herd Management Areas (HMAs) and drastically reduce the population of the Adobe Town herd.

AWHC filed a lawsuit against this plan because it would lead to the eradication of these herds without any scientific basis for doing so.Now the legal battle has reached its final stage, and we’re fighting with everything we’ve got to protect these iconic herds. 

Not only that, but we are also suing the BLM over the implementation of its controversial Adoption Incentive Program, which pays individuals $1,000 to adopt a wild, unhandled horse or burro. The BLM implemented this program without conducting any of the required environmental analyses that it was obligated to perform. We are currently waiting for a decision from the judge on whether the program was implemented illegally or not.

Another key aspect of our legal work is our in-depth investigations into the federal government’s actions and policies. One way we do this is by using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) – a law that allows members of the public to request government records. However, frequently the agency either refuses to turn over documents or releases incomplete or excessively redacted records, forcing us to file a lawsuit to compel full disclosure of all requested records.

Right now, we have over 17 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuits open against the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service in order to compel them to turn over key records that will help us expose abuse, fraud, and waste within federal programs affecting wild horses.

FOIA has been critical to our investigation into the AIP and has proven that the program has funneled hundreds, if not thousands, of wild horses and burros into the slaughter pipeline.

This critical legal work is only possible with your support. When you chip in, your generosity enables us to be a voice for wild horses and burros in the courtroom. If you can, please make a contribution now to support our Legal Fund and help us continue to fight for these innocent animals in the courtroom.

FUEL OUR LEGAL FUND →

Thank you,

AWHC Team

The BLM’s wild horse and burro holding system is on the brink >>

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

Right now, over 60,000 wild horses and burros are being held in captivity by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – and the agency plans to round up THOUSANDS more in the coming months. Rush a donation now and help us fight back to keep these innocent animals in the wild where they belong!

THIS is the reality for over 60,000 formerly free-roaming wild horses and burros:

Tens of thousands of innocent animals crammed into corrals with no shade or room to run, vulnerable to deadly disease outbreaks and in danger of being funneled into the slaughter pipeline via the BLM’s disastrous Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) – all at a hefty cost of over $80 million to American taxpayers every year.

We know it doesn’t have to be like this. Through our fertility control program on Nevada’s Virginia Range, we’ve been proving for over four years that there IS a better way to manage our nation’s wild horses and burros, one that keeps them out of these overcrowded facilities and in the wild where they’re meant to be.

But roundup season is approaching fast – and the BLM already announced that it plans to remove thousands more wild horses and burros from their homes this summer. Whether it’s in the field, in courts, or on the Hill, we’re gearing up to fight back for our wild herds. Will you make a contribution today to bolster our efforts to help keep wild horses and burros free this summer?

DONATE NOW →

Thank you,

AWHC Team

eNews: Fascinating new research sheds light on the origins of our beloved burros!

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

We’ve got a lot to share with you in this week’s edition of eNews, including an opportunity for you to speak up on behalf of our cherished wild herds, an article discussing groundbreaking new research into the origins of our beloved burros, and AWHC’s exciting new partnership!

Read on to learn more! >>

Tell Congress: Protect Wild Horses and Burros with the FY24 Spending Bill!

Photo: Tandin Champan

From defunding the Adoption Incentive Program’s cash incentives to implementing humane in-the-wild fertility control vaccines, there are several ways Congress can enact reforms to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) — and save taxpayers money while doing it. But to enact these policies that protect our cherished wild herds, we need you to speak up. Call on your members of Congress now and request wild horse protections in the FY24 spending bill!

TAKE ACTION

New York Times: At Long Last, a Donkey Family Tree

Photo: Tandin Chapman

“I guess that we simply forgot the importance of this animal, probably being blown away by the impact of its close cousin, the horse.” A scientist and director of the Center for Anthropobiology and Genomics of Toulouse in France hopes his new study will jump-start research on the donkey and restore some of its dignity. Be sure to check out this fascinating read below!

LEARN MORE

AWHC and Stablewest Partner to Champion the Horse

The American Wild Horse Campaign is excited to partner with the Santa Fe-based brand Stablewest, in celebration of their concept Champion the horse™. Champion the horse™ recognizes the relationship between human and horse, and the incredible impact horses have made on our progress as people. Its limited-release capsule promotes the spirit of the wild horse and the freedom intrinsic to the landscape and heritage of the American West. As part of this partnership, 10 percent of each item sold goes towards our work to Keep Wild Horses Wild.

LEARN MORE

Thanks for reading. And thank you for continuing to stand up for our cherished wild horses and burros!

— AWHC Team

Speak UP! Tell Congress to protect wild horses in the 2024 spending budget

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

We know that when American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC) supporters band together and raise their voices, change happens: After all of our hard work last year during the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Appropriations process, Congress passed legislation once again that included important language to divert $11 million in Bureau of Land Management (BLM) funding away from helicopter roundups and instead towards humane management tactics like fertility control vaccines.

But now, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Appropriations process has officially begun and U.S. members of Congress in both the House and Senate are submitting their priorities for the year ahead. We urgently need your help to ensure they include funding requests for humane, in-the-wild management strategies on behalf of our beloved wild horses and burros. Call on your members of Congress now and request wild horse protections in the FY24 spending bill!

Photo by Tandin Chapman

TAKE ACTION NOW →

With the removal of more than 20,000 wild horses and burros from the wild last year, these innocent animals need your voice more than ever! But we can’t do this alone: We need as many people as possible to echo our message and urge Congress to enact a pro-horse and burro agenda for 2024. Will you be a voice for our country’s wild horses and burros, and call on your members of Congress to support wild horse protections in the FY24 spending bill?

CONTACT MY REPRESENTATIVE →

From defunding the Adoption Incentive Program’s cash incentive to implementing humane in-the-wild fertility control vaccines, there are several ways Congress can enact reforms to the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program in FY24  — and save taxpayer money while doing it. But to enact these policies that protect our cherished wild herds, we need you to speak up. Call on your members of Congress now and request wild horse protections in the FY24 spending bill!

TAKE ACTION NOW →

We’ve got an exciting update on our latest burro rescue!

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

We’ve got amazing news about our most recent rescue. 

As you may recall, we recently helped rescue seven Bureau of Land Management (BLM) burros just days before they were supposed to be shipped to slaughter. As soon as we found out these poor animals were in grave danger, we quickly paid their bail and worked with our partners at Auction Horses Rescue (AHR) to rescue them from a horrible fate.

When our partners found them, they still had BLM tags around their necks.

FUEL OUR RESCUE FUND

But our friends at AHR just got in touch with us to share an exciting update: we actually rescued eight burros, not seven! They alerted us that one more BLM burro was dropped off at the lot – and no burro is getting left behind on our watch. Soon, he will be loaded up on the trailer with the other seven, and they will all be heading to Mustang Camp to be trained and adopted out to their new homes!

This rescue would not have been possible without your support. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to prevent countless wild horses and burros from being shipped off to their brutal deaths in foreign slaughterhouses. But right now, it’s more important than ever that we keep our Rescue Fund fueled. Oftentimes, our team has to leap into action at a moments notice to save the lives of mustangs and burros, but we can’t do that unless we have the resources to do so. Can you make a donation to power our Rescue Fund today?

DONATE NOW →

In addition to funding the rescue of animals in danger of being shipped to slaughter, your support also enables us to help our partners sustain their rescue programs. With the increased cost of hay, the effects of the ongoing drought, and the general increase in the costs of running a horse rescue, AWHC has stepped up to provide them with grants for hay, fencing, farm maintenance, and other necessities.

These grants help empower local rescues to build up their facilities and increase their ability to provide sanctuary to more animals in need – but we can’t keep these grants going without your support. So please, help us continue supporting the rescue of hundreds of wild horses and burros by donating to our Rescue Fund today!

FUEL OUR RESCUE FUND

Thank you,

AWHC Team

SPEAK UP: Give Nevada’s wild mustangs the recognition they deserve >>

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

On Tuesday afternoon, the Nevada Senate Committee on Natural Resources heard SB90, a bill to recognize the wild mustang as the official state horse. Like the original wild horse and burro movement in the 1960s, the effort was supported by Nevada’s schoolchildren with over 100 kids showing up to attend the hearing! The students eloquently expressed their support for the wild mustangs who call Nevada home and we are so grateful for their passion.

Unfortunately, the opposition also came out in full force. Nevada ranchers who graze their privately-owned cattle and sheep on public lands used their testimony time to blame horses for range degradation. Each rancher who spoke made the hearing about wild horse management and not about the naming of the state horse. The hearing ended with no vote, as committee members discuss next steps.

We need people from all over the country to speak up about the mustang’s historic importance and the tourism resource they are for the state. Smithsonian Magazine even named Nevada the number one place in North America to see wild horses! As a potential visitor to Nevada, your voice matters, but it will only be heard if you act now!

Call each of the five committee members and ask them to support SB90.

All you need to say is: “Hi, my name is [NAME] and as a tourist who visits Nevada for its wild mustangs, I am calling to ask that Senator [NAME] support SB90 to recognize the wild mustang as Nevada’s state horse. Thank you.

  • State Senator Julie Pazina: (775) 684-1462
  • State Senator Melanie Scheible: (775) 684-1421
  • State Senator Edgar Flores: (775) 684-1431
  • State Senator Pete Goicoechea: (775) 684-1447
  • State Senator Ira Hansen: (775) 684-1480

Thank you so much for your help. Over the next couple of weeks we will have further actions for you to take. We hope we can count on you!

– AWHC Team

House Releases Tax Reform Details

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The following is from the American Horse Council:

House Releases Tax Reform Legislation, Moves Forward with Small Business, Estate Tax Relief

The House Ways and Means Committee has shared highlights and text on historic tax reform legislation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.  While highlights from the bill are outlined below, AHC is currently reviewing the fine print of the 429-page legislation, received from the tax committee shortly after 12:00 PM ET.  Today’s release initiates a long over-due effort to streamline the nation’s 70,000 page tax code.  In a move that is consistent with advocacy from the equine industry and its allies, the House bill will repeal the estate tax after six years, and reduce rates for small business, or so-called “pass through” entities.  Please see the below highlights, focusing on issues that have the most significant impact on the equine industry:

Business Provisions

  • Small Business: The bill sets a maximum tax rate of 25 percent on small business, or “pass through” entities.  Under current law, small businesses can pay federal taxes at rates as high as 39.6 percent.
  • Corporate Tax Rate: The bill lowers the corporate rate to 20 percent, down from the current 35 percent corporate tax rate.
  • Expensing: The plan will “allow business to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment.”
  • Business Interest: The plan also states that small business will be able to deduct interest on loans that allow job creators to “hire workers and increase paychecks.”

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Individual Provisions

  • Estate Tax: The House bill will repeal the estate tax after six years, and double the current exemption on estates valued at $5.49 million.  This is a positive development for family-owned farms and businesses.
  • Charitable Giving: The plan “continues the deduction for charitable contributions.”
  • Mortgage Interest: The bill preserves the deduction for existing mortgage interest, and establishes a $500,000 cap on interest from new home purchases
  • Streamlined Tax Brackets: The plan consolidates the number of individual brackets from seven to four.  Under the House bill, the IRS will create brackets at rates of 12 percent, 25 percent, 35 percent and preserve the 39.6 percent on higher income earners.
  • Retirement Savings: The plan “retains retirement plan options” including 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts.
  • Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) – The plan eliminates the unpopular AMT, which doubles the amount of time taxpayers must spend to calculate their tax liability within any given year.
  • In a compromise that has bogged down negotiations, the House plan will retain the deduction for state and local property taxes at amounts up to $10,000.

Path Forward

According to congressional sources, the Ways and Means Committee will mark up the legislation for four days, beginning the week of Monday, November 6.   The bill will go to the House floor for a vote before Thanksgiving, which falls on Thursday, November 23.  According to Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX), the Senate will take up tax reform legislation after Thanksgiving.

To learn more about up-to-date activity related to tax reform, AHC is conducting a webinar on the issue featuring congressional and industry perspectives on Monday, November 13 at 3:00 PM ET.  To view a copy of a two-page summary of the bill’s highlights, please click here:  Tax Policy Highlights.  To review a copy of the bill, please click here: now available online.

For more information, please contact Bryan Brendle, Director of Legislative Affairs, at bbrendle@horsecouncil.org.

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This summer we stop slaughter

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

Friend –

With Congress going home for its August recess and the legislative future on horse slaughter still unclear, we asked you what our movement should do this month: sit tight OR keep up the pressure. Your response was clear: give them hell. Make it clear the American people will not stand for the destruction or slaughter of America’s wild horses.

So today we’re launching our #NoRecessForHorses Summer of Action. In the next three weeks, we’ll be visiting congressional offices, holding local events, activating supporters, putting up billboards, and, in short, making ourselves very, very loud.

To kick things off:

Click here and sign our national petition to Members of Congress: we oppose the destruction and slaughter of America’s healthy wild horse population.

We need every signature we can get. We’ll be hand-delivering the petition to key congressional offices, inviting the press and our local supporters to join.

Our opponents would love nothing more than if this issue stays quiet. They’ve seen the polling — they know 80% of Americans oppose horse slaughter. They want to confuse the issue, rename the word “slaughter” to something else, and hope we sit on the sidelines as they try to pass this terrible, cruel policy.

We won’t let them. Make sure you sign the petition now, then forward it to five friends! Thank you for standing for standing with us.

For the horses,

Suzanne Roy

P.S. After signing, forward this email to five friends and click here to share on Facebook.

Congress Continues to Promote Land Access

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The following is from the American Horse Council:

On July 26, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) introduced the “Recreation Not Red-Tape Act (RNR)” (S. 1633, H.R. 3400), legislation that expands the scope of the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act (PL 114-245), signed into law in late 2016.  While the RNR focuses on streamlined permitting to access public lands, the bill includes provisions that would authorize the Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to enter into cooperative agreements with private parties to promote the role of volunteers in trail maintenance.  The bill also authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and BLM to develop an interagency trail management plan that will assure uniform maintenance standards for trails crossing jurisdictional lines between the two agencies.

The Trails Act outlines a detailed program including goals and timetables by which the USDA will leverage private partners to clear trails long overdue for maintenance.  Unlike the RNR Act, which applies to both the BLM and USDA’s National Forest System (NFS), the Trails Act focuses only on trails under the jurisdiction of the NFS.

Chairman Bishop and Sen. Wyden worked closely on the bill to emphasize key issues – especially outdoor recreation permit streamlining – that will likely attract bipartisan support.  GOP staff with the House Natural Resources Committee, which is the committee of jurisdiction for federal land issues, are encouraging AHC and allies to help drive cosponsors for the legislation, which currently has none.  Committee staff also state that the Subcommittee on Federal Lands will conduct a markup in late September or October, giving members the opportunity to offer technical corrections and amendments to the text.

To review a summary of the legislation, please see the following link: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/download/?id=DDF411A6-5D21-40BD-B17C-2BF73A2B9C51&download=1. If you would like more information about the RNR Act and related lobbying activity, please contact Bryan Brendle at bbrendle@horsecouncil.orgor 202-296-4031.

Passage of Equine Therapy Amendment Includes Increased Support for America’s Veterans

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The following is from the American Horse Council:

Prior to adjourning for the August recess, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment to the “Make America Secure Appropriations Act” (H.R. 3219) offered by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), a bill that will increase equine therapy funding for veterans by $5 million during FY2018.  In a statement released Friday, July 28, Congressman Barr expressed his pleasure over passage of the defense spending legislation.  He stated that he is “particularly pleased that the final bill … expands the availability of evidence-based equine treatment for veterans who have suffered trauma while serving our country.”

Before the equine therapy provision becomes law, House and Senate lawmakers must convene a “conference” to negotiate final legislation for a vote in both chambers, and present the bill to the President for his signature.  Because the House will not return to Washington until September 5, Congress will not be able to negotiate a final bill until the fall. Although the Senate currently plans to remain in session through August 11, their agenda remains uncertain.  Following failure of healthcare legislation last week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has identified Federal Drug Administration (FDA) funding, Department of Defense (DOD) authorization legislation, and federal appointments as priorities for the next two weeks.  Congress must pass final spending bills, or a continuing resolution, prior to the end of the current fiscal year on September 30.

To view a copy of Rep. Barr’s statement related to the equine therapy amendment, please see the following link: https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barr-votes-to-enhance-national-security. If you would like more information about this bill or related issues in Congress, please contact Bryan Brendle at bbrendle@horsecouncil.orgor 202-296-4031.

Senate Appropriations Committee Vote on Horse Slaughter Defunding

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The following is from the American Horse Council:

The Senate Committee on Appropriations voted July 20 in favor of an amendment offered by Sens. Tom Udall (D-NM) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), to defund the USDA’s inspection of horse slaughter, a renewal of what was effectively a ban on the practice.

Today’s vote for the Udall-Graham Amendment means the Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations Bill may move forward with language limiting USDA action in the inspection of animals, facilities or products associated with horse slaughter.  On July 12, however, the House Appropriations Committee voted against a similar amendment that would defund USDA inspection of horse slaughter, setting the stage for possible negotiations on the final spending bill.

Horse slaughter plants in the United States were closed in 2007 when funding for USDA inspection was halted through the appropriations approval process. Horse slaughter inspections will remain unfunded through  September 30, 2017, when the current fiscal year will end. Further information will be available when approval for the FY18 Appropriations are finalized.

The American Horse Council has not taken a position on horse slaughter as the equine industry remains divided on this issue. Please contact the American Horse Council for further information.

Topic and Speakers Announced for Third Quarter Webinar

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The following is from the American Horse Council:

The AHC is pleased to announce the topics and speakers for its 3rd Quarter webinar, which will take place Monday, August 21st at 3:00 pm ET.

“Cantering Towards a Worker Shortage?” will be the focus of the webinar, and will feature speakers on both H2A and H2B visas, as well as insight from a trainer deeply involved in the thoroughbred racing industry and why the H2B visa are so important to him and his operation.

Horse industry employers have for many years found it difficult to recruit American workers to fill jobs. For this reason, American immigration policy has been a major concern of the horse industry and the AHC has worked to ensure the H-2B non-agricultural and H-2A agricultural temporary foreign worker programs are a viable option for the industry. The AHC felt it was important to provide more insight as to why the industry relies on these visas.

Eclipse Award winning trainer Dale Romans of Romans Racing will lead off the webinar and provide insight as to why the H2B program is so important to the well-being of his business, the thoroughbred racing industry and the equine industry as whole. A licensed trainer since age 18, Mr. Romans began working in his father’s stable (renowned trainer Jerry Romans) from the time he could walk. Dale is an active advocate for the sport serving/having served in volunteer leadership positions of various industry organizations, including the Kentucky HBPA; Churchill Backside Health & Welfare Fund; Churchill Downs Racing Committee; and the Gulfstream Park Racing Committee.

Glen M. Krebs of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP of Lexington, KY, will focus on the industry’s use of H2A Visas. Mr. Krebs is a member of the firm’s Labor & Employment Service Team, and concentrates his practice in International and Immigration law. Mr. Krebs has spoken extensively on the subject of Immigration Law and was contributing author to “Legal Aspects of Horse Farm Operations” (4th ed. 2014), University of Kentucky College of Law, Office of Continuing Legal Education.

Lisa L. Galliath of LLG Attorney at Law will speak on the industry’s use of the H2B Visa. Ms. Galliath assists individuals, professionals, and businesses with U.S. immigration issues and question, as well as specializing in representing equestrian professionals in all disciplines. She has extensive experience and knowledge of the equine industry, and her firm provides legal services to many clients based in equestrian centers in Florida and California.

The webinar is open to both AHC members and non-members—we encourage everyone to attend! To register for the webinar, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Furst at afurst@horsecouncil.org. We look forward to having you join us for our third quarter webinar!

 

BREAKING: House Committee votes to slaughter of America’s wild horses

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

Our team just got bad news out of the U.S. House Appropriations markup: the committee just voted to add a pro-slaughter amendment, acceding to the barbaric request of the Interior Department to kill these majestic animals.

The members of this committee rejected the will of 80% of Americans who do not want slaughter; they rejected the science that shows these animals can be managed with humane birth control; and they rejected every major animal welfare organization who condemned the cruelty of this slaughter policy.

They should be ashamed. But this fight is not over!

We can still stop this horse slaughter provision before a vote by the full House of Representatives or in the U.S. Senate. We need your help.

Can you donate $25, $50 or $100 to help as expand the #NoHorseSlaughter campaign and our list of targets?

The amendment, which passed on a voice vote, allows for the wholesale destruction of healthy wild horses and burros that the BLM deems “unadoptable” or “overpopulated.” The committee knew just how unpopular their stance was — that’s why they replaced “slaughter” with “destruction.” But it’s same barbaric policy with different words.

We’re not fooled. And we’re not backing down. Please donate now and help us keep up the fight.

Thank you,

Suzanne Roy

Your Rep. may decide the fate of wild horses

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

Over the past few days, we’ve launched an unprecedented campaign to try to save America’s wild horses, including a TV ad buy in four key markets and the release of new polling showing 80% of Americans favor continuing anti-slaughter protections for wild horses.

Why the urgent push? Tomorrow, the full House Appropriations Committee is expected to vote on the new Interior Department budget — and we are told our opponents will attempt to add language to authorize the mass slaughter of America’s wild horses.

The fate of America’s wild horses may come down to your Congressperson. Will you contact he/she right now?

1) Call Your Rep at 202-225-3121 and say: side with 80% of Americans — #NoHorseSlaughter, no way!

2) Click the icons below and Tweet and/or Facebook to your Representative.

We’ll keep you updated as the votes unfold. This is one of the most critical weeks we have ever had in the fight to protect wild horses and prevent what could be one of the largest mass slaughter’s of wild animals in our history.

Thank you for being with us,

Suzanne Roy

American Wild Horse Campaign

P.S. Please also consider an emergency donation to help us continue our Virginia TV ad buy.

What percentage of Americans want slaughter?

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

We just completed a national poll about wild horses, asking Americans whether they want continuing protection of wild horses or slaughter. The result:

  • 80% of Americans “prefer continuing protection of America’s wild horses from slaughter”
  • 15% of Americans “think we should end protections and allow slaughter of America’s wild horses“

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You can’t argue with those numbers. By a massive margin, cutting across regional and partisan lines, Americans want the protection of wild horses and they do not want to end the ban on slaughter of America’s wild horses. Can you share this graphic now on Facebook and help us get these numbers out there:

The rest of the poll results are just as clear:

  • 76% of Americans support the use of birth control to manage the wild horse population
  • 65% of Americans would be less likely to vote for their congressperson if they support the slaughter provision

Congress should take note. We just validated that Americans everywhere agree with our loud and clear cry: #NoHorseSlaugther No Way.

Please share our graphic now. And keep up the calls and emails. Votes are expected next Tuesday.

Thank you for being with us,

Grace Kuhn

American Wild Horse Campaign

P.S. We’re working overtime to get these poll results and our message out there. A donation right now would help us intensify and expand our efforts.

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House Ag Appropriations Committee Vote on Horse Slaughter Defunding

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The following is from the American Horse Council:

The House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations voted July 12 against an amendment that Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) and Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) had offered to defund the USDA’s inspection of horse slaughter, a renewal of what was effectively a ban on the practice.

Wednesday’s vote against the Roybal-Allard/Dent amendment means the Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations Bill may move forward without any language limiting USDA action in the inspection of animals, facilities or products associated with horse slaughter. The Senate has yet to hold their full committee markup, and both bills must be accepted by the full House and Senate before the USDA could begin inspections for 2018.

Horse slaughter plants in the United States were closed in 2007 when funding for USDA inspection was halted through the appropriations approval process. Horse slaughter inspections will remain unfunded through September 30, 2017, when the current fiscal year will end. Further information will be available when voting for the FY18 Appropriations are finalized.

The American Horse Council has not taken a position on horse slaughter as the equine industry remains divided on this issue. Please contact the American Horse Council for further information.

Our new TV ad

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

We need to get on the air. In the last 48 hours, thousands of you shared our web video helping to get our message out. We’re starting to be heard — we must prevent the slaughter of nearly 100,000 wild horses and burros.

But with a big vote in Congress expected next week — we need to accelerate our efforts. We just finished cutting our new TV ad. Will you watch it and donate immediately to help us get it on-air in Washington D.C. and target cities across the country?

The Bureau of Land Management does not have the power to overturn the ban on horse slaughter. Only Congress can do that. So we’re making it crystal clear: with their votes, Congress will be deciding to:

support science and protect these iconic animals

OR

side with the special interests and slaughter nearly 100,000 wild horses and burros

It’s the truth. And the choice Congress has to make. The initial text of the Interior Appropriations bill maintains the ban on slaughter, but we are told an amendment will be voted on next week to add BLM’s proposed language allowing slaughter. With your help, we’re going to make sure they understand exactly what’s at stake.

WATCH: The choice on wild horses

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Right now, Washington is ablaze in controversy and partisan bickering. But behind it, too many are missing a critical story: if Congress signs off on the Bureau of Land Management’s budget request, as many as 100,000 wild horses and burros will be slaughtered.

This isn’t fear-mongering. It’s what’s at stake if we overturn the ban on horse slaughter. And if we’re going to stop it, we need to get this story out there and make sure Congress and Americans at-large understand what could happen in just a matter of weeks.

Watch our latest web video and then share it on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #NoHorseSlaughter.

We need to turn up the volume. And fast. So please watch our video now and share it.

Thank you for being with us and America’s wild horses,

-Suzanne Roy

P.S. Please also consider a donation as we intensify our campaigning in Washington and across the country.

AHC Committees Meet During Annual Meeting

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The following is from the American Horse Council:

The American Horse Council (AHC) held its Annual Meeting on June 11, 2017, where all five of the AHC’s standing committees met: Animal Welfare, Health & Regulatory, Horse Show, Racing Advisory, and Recreation.

The AHC would like to thank everyone that attended the commitee meetings, and hopes that the topics and discussions held were useful and informative. We hope to see everyone there again next year!

To read the recaps of each committee meeting, please click below.

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