Hooflinks

Radio Interview Update

2009-12-14T05:04:00.000-06:00

Many of you have emailed me and asked about the interview I was to do on The Body Politic last Friday the 11th. due to scheduling conflicts with the host we had to reschedule the show. It will air today the 14th at 1 pm PST (2 MST, 3 CST, 4 EST). You can listen to the show on Suzanne's blog talk page live and call in at those times. I hope everyone can listen as she is an excellent host and interviewer. This show is dedicated to the Wild Horses and Burros and the issues affecting them. I know that if you can't get through to the show you can instant message her during the show and she will incorporate your questions into the show as she did on the last one.

Radio Interview

2009-12-07T17:35:00.001-06:00

For those that missed my interview on The Body Politic, it is now available online.
This can be downloaded through iTunes, listened to online and/or shared. I hope that everyone will listen to it and share it widely.

This interview covered the issue of horse slaughter. We are doing another interview on Friday on the wild horse and burro issue. You can listen live on Friday the 11th at 1 pm PST, 2 pm MST, 3pm CST and 4 pm EST by going to www.blogtalkradio.com/thebodypolitic

In addition, HoofLinks radio will be doing a show Wednesday the 9th. Get show info by going to the HoofLinks show. We are going to be continuing our talk on legislative efforts and interviewing a rescue on the issues facing them in the present economy.

Press Release for the Body Politic

2009-12-04T15:53:00.002-06:00

America's Great Horse Culture in Peril as Economy Leaves More Equines Vulnerable To Crimes of Slaughter --The Body Politic Radio Show Gets Inside Grisly Door of Equine Slaughter Transport

Posted : Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:01:13 GMT

American Horse Meat Demands Rise Abroad

LOS ANGELES, CA, December 04, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- It's near midnight as a two-tier cattle truck climbs a hill 50 miles from Tulsa, OK, grinding and spitting from its lumbering load. The grueling 1,000 mile trek that began at a horse auction near Waukegon, Illinois is far from over, as the truck's destination is a Texas holding pen earmarked for slaughter-bound horses nearly 355 miles away. If the truck makes it across the state line, it will deliver nearly 50 horses----yearlings, pregnant mares, registered Thoroughbreds, purebred Arabians, wild Mustangs and ponies, Appaloosas, and newly born foals to a Mexican slaughter house. While these equines have individual stories and backgrounds, they share one commonality: They were all purchased at auction by what is known in the industry as "kill buyers" who are fulfilling independent contracts with the slaughter house. As many as 22 horses have already died en route due to kicking injuries, water and food deprivation, and suffocation since departing the auction nearly 72 hours earlier. This scene is not set in the Dust Bowl era. The overweight, fragile truck is not filled with John Steinbeck's endearing "Joad" family seeking a better life . It's a glimpse into the all too real underworld of horse slaughter transport to plants located in Mexico and Canada-----fostering a highly egregious form of animal cruelty that continues unabated in the U.S. despite years of bitter public and political opposition.

The continued public outcry prompted Congressman John Sweeney (R-NY) and John Spratt (D-SC) to sponsor bill H.R. 503 in 2006 in an effort to stop Mexico and Canada from butchering tens of thousands of healthy American horses every month. Although passed by a strong bipartisan vote in the House, the bill has been reportedly blocked by Agricultural special interest groups repeatedly, and remains in a seemingly permanent state of limbo in the Senate. The bill was reintroduced to the House of Representatives on January 14, 2009 by House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Michigan) and Dan Burton (R-Indiana), which became known as The Conyers-Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2009. The bill would criminalize the shipping, transporting, purchasing, selling, delivering, or receiving of any horse, horse flesh, or carcass with the intent that it be used for human consumption. In 2007, two slaughter plants in Texas and the last slaughter house in Illinois were permanently shut due to the enforcement of state laws and related lawsuits. Passage of H.R. 503 would prevent such slaughter houses from opening in any state that does not already have a ban in place. More than 100,000 American horses were exported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter last year.

On Monday, December 7, at 1:00 PM PST, radio host and investigative journalist, Suzanne Marcus-Fletcher will continue her Itunes series on the state of horse welfare in America in a 60 minute interview with nationally recognized equine advocate Shelley Sawhook, President of the American Horse Defense Fund (AHDF) based in Washington, D.C. AHDF is the nation's leading horse welfare organization working to protect America's horses from abuse www.savinghorses.org. Fletcher's interview with Sawhook can be heard live or on demand at www.blogtalkradio/thebodypolitic or by calling The Body Politic Listener dial-in number: (646) 595-2146 at 1:00 P.M. PST on 12/7/09. The broadcast will be available in the Itunes store under The Body Politic / Blog Talk Radio podcasts.

Among the show's topics will be the current status of H.R. 503, and other major advocacy initiatives now underway at the AHDF on the issues of slaughter and equine transport.

National awareness of the equine slaughter issue ballooned after it was learned that one of America's 100 greatest racehorses named Exceller-----who beat two Triple Crown winners in the 1978 Jockey Gold Cup (Seattle Slew and Affirmed) and won 11 Grade or Group one Races, died in a slaughterhouse in Sweden on April 7, 1997----the same month he was nominated for induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Fletcher's interview with the The Exceller Fund's Executive Director, Nicole Smith, and former President/Executive Director Bonnie Mizrahi is available in the Itunes store and at www.suzannemarcusfletcher.com. The Exceller Fund www.excellerfund.org was launched one month after the famed equines' death to help transition Thoroughbred horses to a second career off the track and provide "a future beyond the finish line." Said Mizrahi, "We all bemoan what happened to Exceller, yet this [slaughter] is happening every week with race horses that aren't as well known, but are no less deserving." Indeed, slaughter foes appeared to unite en mass after American news agencies reported that Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner, ended up in a slaughterhouse in Japan in 2002.

"Horse slaughter is an industry----not a charitable way for farmers to dispose of their old, sick, horses as believed by many across the country" said acclaimed equine advocate, Anne Irving. "It is an industry driven by the demand of foreign diners in Europe and Japan who consider American horse-meat a delicacy, and enjoy the lean horse-meat, which sells for approximately $20.00 per pound - and costs about .39 to .49 cents per pound on the hoof at auction," noted Irving. "Following the closing of the U.S. based plants, exports to Canadian and Mexican plants increased to quickly bring the total slaughter (numbers) back to the same level as before the closings."

Fletcher will continue her series on the state of horse welfare in America with AHDF President, Shelley Sawhook, Friday December 11, at 1:00 PM PST on The Body Politic radio show. This episode will focus on the Wild and Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act (ROAM), including a discussion of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) alleged plans to initiate mass round-ups in Nevada and elsewhere with the intent to move a significant number of America's remaining wild horses and burros----symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West----into mass holding pens or visitor sanctuaries on the East Coast. For more information on this issue, please visit www.savinghorses.org

New HoofLinks Show

2009-12-01T16:07:00.000-06:00

The American Horse Defense Fund (AHDF) has a new way to keep our members and the public informed, Blog Radio or podcast. The show will air for the first time tomorrow at 6 pm, Eastern, 5pm Central, 4 pm Mountain and 3 pm Pacific time. You can listen online live or to the archived show by going here. Caller are welcome to share their stories and information by calling in at 917-889-3682. I hope I get lots of calls otherwise I will be talking for half an hour myself, so call in!

Please be patient with me as this is going to be my first attempt at doing this, I am sure things will get better soon. I, like the show, am a work in progress and the show sneaked up on me with everything else going on such as holidays and holiday shopping. (Anyone know where to find an elusive Zhu Zhu hamster where they aren't gouging you?) So, I know the first one isn't going to be as good as it should be but I hope it will impart some new information and ideas so folks know what is going on.

I will also be appearing on the show Body Politic with host Suzanne Marcus-Fletcher on Dec. 4th and 11th for a full hour show each of these days. It will air at 1pm PST.

Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T15:17:00.000-06:00

Today is Veteran's Day and I hope that everyone is having a great day. However, in all the celebrations today and left out of all the lists of veterans is a group that have served the military and police without question and with as much loyalty. Those missing are the animals. These brave creatures have served with our men and women in the military. They go where others would fear to tread without reservation. Some have been decorated over the years for their heroic service, yet after their service is over, no matter what they have done, they are tossed aside. Is it any wonder that today we question the support given to returning vets when the 4-legged ones were treated this way long ago. The way our country treats its veterans is a disgrace and it is time that ALL vets are provided for and that we recognize their contributions.

So, today take a moment to recognize and thank a veteran for their service to you and to this country. As for the 4-legged service members who served us well and who were never recognized take a moment to think about them and how without them we wouldn't be as free a country as we are now. Think about them, learn about their contributions and make a decision that we WILL take care of and recognize ALL our veterans.

Wild Horses and Washington

2009-10-26T00:02:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release
(Washington, DC)Save Our Wild Horses Coalition members Ms. Shelley Sawhook, president of the American Horse Defense Fund, and Ms. Cindy MacDonald, author of American Herds Blog, attended a week of meetings with various representatives, senators and their aides last week in Washington, DC. Their main goal was to present a Resolution calling for a moratorium on wild horse and burro gathers (i.e., wholesale removal from their federal lands); ask for an independent census of the horses and burros, both in the wild and within holding facilities, and; call for an investigation into the highly questionable policies, processes and practices of the Bureau of Land Management’s administration of the wild horse and burro program. In addition, they presented materials and information in support of the Resolution.

All materials presented by Sawhook and MacDonald will be made available on the Save Our Wild Horses (SOWH) website as well as their own various sites and blogs.

While in Washington, Sawhook and MacDonald met with senatorial aides to the various Energy and Natural Resources Committee and related sub-committee members. MacDonald also had the opportunity to meet with her own Senators, Reid and Ensign. Many issues relating to the issue of wild horses and burros were discussed and the SOWH Resolution was presented and discussed. During the meetings, Senate questions were addressed and a policy point paper and a paper detailing the pros and cons of the Salazar Plan (i.e., Secy. Of the Interior’s plan to remove wild horses from their traditional range and place them in non-breeding sanctuaries in the East) were provided as additional resource information to support the resolution and SOWH’s positions and to answer other questions.

In several meetings, SOWH representatives were told that the Obama Administration has asked for the implementation of the “Salazar Plan” to see if it might solve the wild horse and burro issues and give the new Secretary an opportunity to administer the program without intervention so early on in his administration. This presents a problem as SOWH is opposed to the implementation of the Salazar Plan as it is not in the best interest of wild horses and burros and would pervert the existing Act protecting the nation’s wild horses and burros, specifically, the plan remove horses from their recognized herd areas.

Notable among most aides were that they were unfamiliar with wild equine issues. Once informed, they sought the input of SOWH and of those who are most familiar with wild horses and burros on what is best for them. SOWH asks that everyone with such expertise contact the committee members and their staff (links and resources are on www.saveourwildhorses.com) to provide much needed insight and guidance to assist the senators with bolstering the protections. An example of a common perception among many talked to on the Hill and among Americans was exemplified in a meeting with Senator Blanche Lincoln (D, AR). It was apparent that her office had not heard much from their constituents on the issue, stating she would likely defer to those from the western states where the mustangs and burros reside. That position fails to acknowledge that these symbols of America and our history and values belong to the American public, not just western states. SOWH calls for all Arkansans to contact Senator Lincoln’s office to voice their position on the wild horse and burro issue so that she can hear loud and clear that protection of these majestic animals are an important issue to them. Other offices that could benefit from hearing from their constituents are Senator Bob Corker (R, TN), Senator Robert Menendez (D, NJ), Senator Diane Feinstein (D, CA), Senator John Ensign (R, NV), Senator Jeff Bingaman (D, NM) and Senator Michael Bennett (D, CO).

For more information contact Shelley Sawhook email president@ahdf.org, phone 866-956-2433 address 1718 M St NW Unit 191 Washington, DC 20036.

Going to DC

2009-10-13T02:58:00.000-05:00

The trip to DC is getting closer. It is getting crazy around my house. I have to get all the materials ready, get to the cleaners to get my suits pressed and get ready to go. I always get stressed when I go to DC because I know how important those trips can be and this time it is doubly important. Otherwise we might not have any more wild horse within a few years.

So far I have heard from a couple of folks that they too want to go and help protect the wild horses. This is pretty exciting since lobbying is seen as hard. Too many folks are afraid of Congress, they keep forgetting that it is our JOB to visit them. We are their employers and we should check on our employees to see how they are doing and to tell them what kind of job we want done.

George Knapp did an awesome job on his hour long special about the wild horses called "Stampede to Oblivion". In it Dina Titus said that our politicians seem to be focused on special interest and not on the hearing the people. Is it possible that the reason they listen to special interest is because they see them every day and they ply them with food, gifts and funds and not to the people because we DON'T visit and talk to them? Just a thought.

BTW if you haven't seen the special you should take the time. It is probably one of the best pieces ever done on the issue. You can find it by going here, the videos are on the right hand side. It is in 5 parts, so watch them all. Also, the station says that they have an agreement with ALL CBS affiliates to provide content, so your local station could show it. Contact them to see if they will show it.

WE have got to have success in getting the ROAM Act passed. If we don't we are probably going to see the end of truly wild horses and burros in another year or two. The FY 2010 gather schedule shows that they are planning to remove 12,000 horses and burros from the range. And FY 2010 has already started and the horses are being taken off the range as we speak. 12,000 horses is about 1/3 of the animals left on the range if you believe the BLM's numbers. If you are sure they are over estimating then you can see that this could be the end.

So gear up folks, our wild horses and burros are in for the fight of their lives and we have to help them. It isn't the time to get mad, but it is the time to get active. Anger, while probably a VERY understandable emotion, causes us to make mistakes. The horses can't afford those, so let's move at this with a clear head and a firm determined attitude, the way the horses would want us to.

Wild Horse Advocates

2009-09-18T07:18:00.002-05:00

For those folks looking for a way to help out with the wild horse issue there is a way. Right now the Save Our Wild Horse coalition is accepting applications for volunteers and is hosting a survey on how better to serve advocates. Submit your survey at http://saveourwildhorses.com/survey.htm

They are looking for volunteers in the following areas. Monitoring specific herds, calender manager, research and others. So please take a minute to stop by and offer your suggestions as well as volunteer.

Save Our Wild Horses is also looking for wild horse groups and advocates to join the coalition. So, please consider joining them! Together we CAN make a difference and speak as one voice for our wild horses! Save Our Wild Horses has also launched a blog at http://www.saveourwildhorses.blogspot.com.

A number of groups are also planning on hosting demonstrations, including one in DC on Sept 29th. The demonstration will be held from 8am to 4pm on the West Front Lawn of Capitol Hill. The purpose is to inform the public about the plight of the wild horses. Everyone is welcome to attend and to bring information and handouts to give to the public as well as signs and photos.

Groups are also working to get advocates to DC from Sept 29th until the end of October to lobby for the ROAM Act (S1579/HR1018) as well as the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (HR503/S727). We are asking that advocates spend a day or two, specifically the weeks of Oct. 4th, 11th and 25th, to lobby for these efforts. AHDF will be there the week of Oct. 18th. Advocates planning on attending during this time are asked to email me at president@ahdf.org as this is a coordinated effort.

On a personal note I have made my first attempt at making a You Tube video. Please keep in mind that it is my first and the sound isn't perfect, but it is available for viewing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwmIGQoMTdQ Hopefully now that I have it down a little better we can add more videos to the site to inform the public. That is if I can find the time. AHDF is on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, the web as well as this blog. So, folks can follow us anywhere!

Let's MAKE Our Voices Heard

2009-09-07T12:18:00.002-05:00

In light of everything that has happened over the last few weeks I think it is even more important to make sure that Congress, and especially the Senate, knows what is going on. We need to have our voices heard and be visible in DC if we are ever to be an effective voice for the horses. We need to have groups and individuals there for an entire month to achieve this. Congress MUST know that we do care and that we aren't going away. They MUST know all of the sneaky little tricks and deceptions that the BLM is playing on the horses and the taxpayers.

Obviously I am NOT suggesting that any one group or person be in DC for a whole month. But if we can break it up into little pieces of 2-3 days and each one of us take one we could cover the entire month of October. I am going with a few people the week of Oct. 18th. I am asking for groups to take the lead on other weeks. We need to be as visible as possible considering that the groups that are opposed to what we are asking have lobbyists there every day. Congress is more impressed with actual visits as they show that it means enough for you to actually go to DC.

If a group is going to go please let me know so we can make sure that every day is covered and that someone with experience is there to take the lead. If anyone needs material or handouts let me know and I will get them to you or visit the website Save Our Wild Horses for materials. If this would be your first trip to DC to lobby please read the AHDF's Guide to Lobbying for helpful information.

I am also trying to fund raise to cover costs and to hopefully have funds to help folks get there. If there are no donations we can't do that, so if you can't go consider helping those that can by making a donation so your voice can be heard and we can make a difference for the horses.

How the Hell Can We Save Them?

2009-09-04T16:01:00.002-05:00

This is not going to be my normal blog post. It isn't going to be all nicey-nicey. I am feeling like I have NEVER felt before, helpless and hopeless. I don't like that feeling at all. I know I am not alone in feeling this way. I have always been the one who looked for the silver lining, the one who urged others on, the one who always felt that in the end things would come out right.

The one thing I have felt since hearing about the Pryor Mountain horses is that in the end the horses would be fine. It is one small herd and they aren't taking as many as other herds and while the numbers are set a little below genetic viability, it isn't as bad as other herds are facing. So many are just being removed or their AML is so far below genetic viability that they will not survive at all. However, the Pryor horses are one of the most famous herds and the ones that were the most protected. They received protections long before the other herds got it. They also had the distinction of being so closely related to the Spanish herds.

This then brings the question that makes me feel the way I do. If we can't protect these wonderful horses, how the hell can we protect and save the others?

The loss of a single one of these famous horses is being felt by the world. They care because they have gotten to know and love them through Ginger Kathrens wonderful documentaries on the Cloud series. We know Image, Cloud's daughter who is set to be removed. We know Electra, Cloud's sister, who Prince fought to keep and is his only mare and is now set to be removed. We know Arrow, Rain and Cloud Dancer all set to lose their freedom. Not only are we losing these special animals, but the herds' AML is being set and kept below genetic viability and those that are being returned to the range are being treated with PZP to prevent herd growth.

So, I say again if we can't save them how the hell can we save the others?

How can we stop the removal of 1000 horses from the Red Desert Complex? How can we stop the Ely District removal of EVERY SINGLE horse? How can we prevent the Sheldon horses from going to slaughter?

I know we all called President Obama and asked for his help. Today one person asked if he was getting our messages and was told that they were gathering them and would give them to him later on today. Obviously that isn't much help. Our government isn't getting the word and meanwhile these horses are in the middle of of this horrible removal and they can't take the time to pass along the people's concerns! Of course the roundup continues, he doesn't even know about it and the staff hasn't seen fit to let him know. Since they take it so lightly it is doubtful that he would stop it anyway. Apparently we need to be more insistent with our calls and we need more people to call the White House to let him know that it IS an important issue.

It isn't the time to feel helpless, it isn't the time to feel hopeless. It is the time to stand up and fight! Fight for the horses and the law of the land that protects them. It is time to yell louder to say this is NOT RIGHT. Those horses shouldn't lose their freedom for nothing and none should possibly pay with their lives without it meaning something.

Remember my post about speaking with One Voice? It is now time to speak with that voice and let it finally be heard. We will not accept the continued removal of our wild horses. We will not let them zero out herd areas for more grazing. We will not let them take our freedoms as they have taken the horses'. We will not let them subvert the law ever again and our wild horses WILL be protected as the law intended. Not ever again! We will fight through the courts, we will battle in the Congress and we will see the few remaining herds never face what Cloud's herd is facing now. Speak up for Cloud, speak up for Electra, speak up for Image, speak up for the unnamed herds. We need to raise our voices NOW before they are all gone and all we have left is a memory and a few documentaries to show what we have really lost.

Blame

2009-09-03T14:30:00.002-05:00

In our sadness all advocates and wild horse lovers need to refrain from passing blame. Our court systems work, but not often on the schedule that we would like. It is nearly impossible to obtain a temporary restraining order (TRO) against a government agency. Our laws are set up to give the government a sort of benefit of the doubt and to prevent individuals from disrupting government actions. The TRO was NOT the last legal stand. There is still the option of the courts returning the animals after the removals. Of course nobody wanted the herds disrupted by the roundups and the associated risks that they bring. However, the judge acted as he saw the law.

Yes, we are sad and yes we do feel as though we are in mourning. However, please do not disparage those who have worked so hard. This is not the time for blame. It is time for us to really WORK. Work hard that the herds remain viable, work hard to see the laws changed to protect the horses, work to see that other herds aren't decimated, work to see the BLM held accountable for their actions.

Cry if you must for what is going on and then dry your eyes. Our tears don't accomplish anything, but our efforts can and do. The BLM is issuing EAs (Environmental Assessments which are needed before ANY roundup can happen) for public comments even as we speak. We must each comment on them and let them know that we don't accept the decimation of our herds. We must contact the Senators and let them know that we support the ROAM Act to keep our horses free in the wild. There are groups, such as the AHDF, the Cloud Foundation, Front Range and EWA, and individuals filing more appeals to stop these roundups and they NEED support.

If all you are offering is criticisms of what efforts have been made or tears you have not done all you can. Take action today. Volunteer to help with the organizations fighting, call and write letters to your Senators, visit your Senators while they are at home or go to DC, donate to the groups, file public comments to the BLM's EAs. TAKE ACTION!

Herd Removals

2009-09-03T13:46:00.002-05:00

Today is a somber day. One can feel it in the air, it is as if the world is sensing the tremendous loss of wild horses and the loss of freedom.

The Pryor horses, otherwise known as Cloud's herd, are being rounded up today. The herds have been made famous the world over mostly because of the WONDERFUL documentaries filmed by Ginger Kathrens, an AHDF board member and founder of the The Cloud Foundation. She has documented the herds for many years and the world has followed the lives of the herds and Cloud and fallen in love with them.

The removals have begun and a small group of 30 people are there to protest but they cannot see anything as guards prevent them from entering the park. I know many are in mourning over the fact that 70 horses will be removed and will never again know freedom or see their home again. Those that do remain will be treated with a fertility drug, PZP, that will prevent the herds from reproducing. There still remains questions about the safety of the drug. Not to mention that humans, not nature, make the call on which horses can reproduce and add to the gene pool.

Please pray or send positive energy to the Pryor horses that no animals will be injured. The herds have many VERY young foals, under a month old, and these young animals don't usually do well during these roundups. Often they become separated from the herds because they cannot keep up and they die on the range. If they do keep up they are still orphaned by the activities. This is not a good outcome in anyone's mind.

Over 300 horses lost their freedom in the Nevada Ely district in the past week. None of these horses will be returned to the wild. Not one will ever again know freedom. They are being removed because their herd areas have been "zeroed out". The reason given is that the area can no longer support a single horse. However, at the same time they are expanding grazing permits for more cattle. At the end of the month (September) more horses will be removed to once again never return to their homes and the life they have known for hundreds of years.

These horses aren't as well known as Cloud's herd and there were no protesters to stand vigil for them. Just a core of advocates working to stop their removals. We will never again be able to get them back and America lost a national treasure, one we continue to lose every day that the BLM remains in charge of our wild horses and burros.

Yesterday Glen Beck came out with a theory that the ROAM Act is an attempt by environmentalists to prevent drilling by putting horses in the areas where oil abounds. This "theory" is incorrect as he pointed out traditional areas where the horses ALREADY exist, not where advocates want to put them. It is a coincidence that the horses have been relegated to these areas. Not to mention that if the BLM didn't put such restrictions on the oil companies and insist on removing the horses for drilling, we wouldn't care if they drilled or not. The horses would just leave the area and not interfere with the drilling and the drilling wouldn't harm the horses. However, because cows would interfere the BLM insists that the horses, because they consider them livestock and the same as cattle, are removed. THIS is what we disapprove of, the removal of the horses never to return, not the drilling. At the rate of removals the BLM is doing now the issue won't matter any more as there won't be a herd left.

The suffering of these majestic animals and the loss of their freedom is being felt the world over. The sense of mourning from the welfare community is obvious. But we CAN make a difference. The public needs to let the BLM, the politicians and the world know that we do not want our wild horses and burros to face the extinction that is now becoming more and more evident.

Cloud's Herd Lost but the fight isn't over

2009-09-02T16:27:00.002-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I have to pass along the info that the Temporary Restraining Order to protect Cloud's herd and the Pryor Mountain horses was denied today. We don't have the decision yet, so it is impossible to say why the judge denied the rock solid claim. More than likely it was due to the issue of taxpayer funds being paid to keep the crews on hold while the case was being decided. However, it isn't time to give up, we do have other options.

Please make calls to the President and ask that he demand that the BLM not contiue with the removal which is slated to begin first thing in the morning. You can reach the switchboard at 202-456-1111 or 202-456-9000 . Calls need to be made RIGHT NOW.

Also, it is possible that even if they do begin the roundups that through the courts they could be forced to return the animals to the range. This would be a disruption to the herds' social status and wouldn't help any animals injured or destroyed during the removals, but it is a far better fate than being held in captivity for the rest of their lives or being euthanized later when BLM can't pay for their care as they stated last year.

So, again please call the President 202-456-1111 or 202-456-9000 and ask that he halt the removal of the Pryor Horses slated to begin in the morning and that he call a moratorium on all removals until the BLM addresses the questions and issues raised by Congress and the American public. Too much is at stake for us to sit idly by while these animals are forever removed or destroyed so they can never again run free and we lose such a big part of our heritage and our soul as a country.

New Bill-S 1597

2009-08-10T22:47:00.002-05:00

Senator Robert Byrd has just corrected a problem with getting HR 1018 passed, a senate companion bill S 1597, also known as the ROAM Act. The bill was introduced August 5th and was read twice into the record and assigned to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. This is the same committee that HR 1018 was assigned to. Currently it has no cosponsors listed. The bill is to "A bill to amend the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to improve the management and long-term health of wild free-roaming horses and burros, and for other purposes. " (Please note that the words "and for other reasons" is not some sort of way to slide other things in, it is just specific language added to ALL bills. There is no conspiracy or other meaning to be attached to that phrase in Congress.)

Why is it important to have both a Senate and House bill? If a bill only comes from the House it is seen as unimportant and without Senate support. The introduction of the Senate version shows that there is is some interest in the Senate and it helps move the bill along in the committee. Some little bills such as renaming a Post Office or federal building can originate in the House and not have a companion bill, but major changes NEED the companion bill to show that it is indeed an important issue.

We thank Senator Byrd who has been an incredible supporter for humane issues, especially for the horses. His introduction of this bill will play a big part in seeing much needed updated protections for our wild horses and burros and to prevent their being managed for extinction. The ROAM Act (both versions) basically will open up new areas for wild horses and burros (including those areas removed from the program), end the long term warehousing of horses, decrease removals and ensure that wild horses and burros ARE considered as vital part of the ecosystem. It does so much to not only protect the horses, but also save the taxpayers money.

Below is the text of the whole bill. (It is VERY long) However, it is virtually, if not exactly, the same language as the House version. This information is taken directly from www.thomas.loc.gov. This is where you can find information on all pending bills. Please call your Senators (you have 2 of these for every state) and ask that they not only support the bill, but also become a cosponsor.

S.1579

Restore Our American Mustangs Act (Introduced in Senate)

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Restore Our American Mustangs Act'.

SEC. 2. REFERENCE.

Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the Act of December 15, 1971 (commonly known as the `Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act'; 16 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.).

SEC. 3. POLICY.

The first section is amended by striking `in the area where presently found, as'.

SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

Section 2 (16 U.S.C. 1332) is amended--

(1) in paragraph (b), by inserting `born or present' after `unclaimed horses and burros';

(2) in paragraph (c), by striking `which does not exceed their known territorial limits,';

(3) in paragraph (d)--

(A) by inserting `and any associated foals' after `his mares'; and

(B) by striking `and' after the semicolon;

(4) in paragraph (e), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon;

(5) in paragraph (f)--

(A) by striking `(1) which' and all that follows through `(2)';

(B) by inserting `, in accordance with section 3(d),' after `from an area'; and

(6) by adding at the end the following:

`(g) `thriving natural ecological balance' means a condition that protects ecosystem health, the ecological processes that sustain ecosystem function and a diversity of life forms, including those species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and further ensures that wild horses and burros, livestock and wildlife species are given fair consideration in the allocation of resources on those lands where said species are authorized or managed consistent with the requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-579) and other applicable law; and

`(h) `fatally injured or terminally ill' means an animal exhibiting one or more of the following:

`(1) A hopeless prognosis for life.

`(2) A chronic or incurable disease, injury, lameness, or serious physical defect (including severe tooth loss or wear, club foot, and other severe congenital abnormalities).

`(3) A condition requiring continuous treatment for the relief of pain and suffering in a domestic setting.

`(4) An acute or chronic illness, injury, physical condition or lameness that would preclude an acceptable quality of life for the foreseeable future.'.

SEC. 5. INVENTORY AND DETERMINATIONS.

(a) Section 3(a) (16 U.S.C. 1333(a)) is amended as follows:

(1) By striking `is authorized and directed to' and inserting `shall--

`(1)'.

(2) By striking `, and he may' and inserting a semicolon.

(3) By inserting before `designate' the following:

`(2)'.

(4) In paragraph (2) (as so designated)--

(A) by striking `their' and inserting `the';

(B) by inserting `of wild free-roaming horses and burros' after `preservation';

(D) by striking `deems' and inserting `, considers'; and

(E) by striking `desirable. The Secretary shall' and inserting `desirable;

`(3)'.

(5) In paragraph (3) (as so designated), by striking the period after `public lands' and inserting a semicolon.

(6) By striking `He shall' and inserting the following:

`(4)'.

(7) In paragraph (4) (as so designated), by striking `of this Act.' and inserting `of this Act;'.

(8) By striking `All' and inserting the following:

`(5) ensure that'.

(9) In paragraph (5) (as so designated)--

(A) by inserting `related to wild free-roaming horses and burros are' after `activities';

(B) by striking `shall be' both places it appears;

(D) by striking `of the State wherein such lands are located';

(E) by striking `which inhabit such lands'; and

(F) by striking the period after `endangered wildlife species' and inserting a semicolon.

(10) By striking `Any' and inserting the following:

`(6) ensure that any'.

(11) In paragraph (6) (as so designated)--

(A) by striking `on any such lands shall take' and inserting `are made after taking'; and

(B) by striking `which inhabit such lands.' and inserting `; and'.

(12) At the end of such subsection, add the following:

`(7) ensure that, to the extent practicable, the acreage available for wild and free-roaming horses and burros shall never be less than the acreage where wild and free-roaming horses and burros were found in 1971.'.

(b) Subsection (b)(1) of section 3 is amended as follows:

(1) By striking `(b)(1) The Secretary shall' and inserting the following:

`(b) In order to determine if a thriving natural ecological balance exists with regards to wild free-roaming horses and burros, the Secretary shall--

`(1)'.

(2) In paragraph (1) (as so designated)--

(A) by striking `a current' and inserting `an'; and

(B) by striking the period after `public lands' and inserting a semicolon and the following:

`(2) update the inventory every two years; and

`(3) make the inventory available to the public on the Website of the Bureau of Land Management.'.

(3) By striking `The purpose' and all that follows through `the Secretary' and inserting the following:

`(c) In order to better manage and protect wild free-roaming horses and burros, and to achieve and maintain a thriving natural ecological balance, the Secretary, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, shall take the following actions:

`(1) Adopt and employ the best scientific, peer-reviewed methods to accurately estimate wild free-roaming horse and burro populations on public lands for purposes of the inventory required in subsection (b).

`(2) Develop a policy and standards, with public involvement, for setting consistent, appropriate management levels on public lands, based on scientifically sound methodologies.

`(3) Provide a public process, including a period for notice and comment, for finalizing appropriate management level standards.

`(4) Publish and distribute these standards to each field office so that the methodology for estimating population and determining appropriate management levels is consistent across public lands.

`(5) Train Federal personnel on the use of these standard techniques to estimate population and determine appropriate management levels.'.

(4) By striking `shall consult with' and inserting the following:

`(6) Develop and finalize the standards in consultation with--'.

(5)(A) By inserting `(A)' before `the United States Fish'.

(B) By inserting `(B)' before `wildlife agencies'.

(D) By striking `such individuals' and inserting `(C) individuals'.

(E) By striking `such other individuals' and inserting `(D) individuals'.

(F) By striking `he' and inserting `the Secretary'.

(G) By inserting `to' after `determines'.

(6) In subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (6) (as so designated), by striking each comma and inserting a semicolon.

(7) In subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (6) (as so designated), by moving the margins of such subparagraphs 4 ems to the right.

(8) After paragraph (6) (as so designated), by inserting the following:

`(7) Identify new, appropriate rangeland for wild free-roaming horses and burros, including use of land acquisitions, exchanges, conservation easements, voluntary grazing buyouts, and agreements with private landowners to allow for the federally supervised protection of wild horses and burros on private lands, except that the Secretary shall assess the effects of new range for wild free-roaming horses and burros on rangeland health, riparian zones, water quality, soil compaction, seed bed disturbance, native wildlife, and endangered or threatened species and transmit the results of the assessment to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.

`(8) Establish sanctuaries or exclusive use areas, except that the Secretary shall assess the effects of sanctuaries or exclusive use areas for wild free-roaming horses and burros on rangeland health, riparian zones, water quality, soil compaction, seed bed disturbance, native wildlife and endangered or threatened species and transmit the results of the assessment to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.

`(9) In identifying or designating any new rangeland, or establishing any sanctuary or exclusive use area for wild free-roaming horses and burros, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall take into account and avoid any potential conflicts with wind, solar, geothermal, oil, natural gas, energy transmission, and mineral resources potential of the lands affected by the identification, designation, or establishment.

`(10) Research, develop, and implement enhanced fertility control for mares, stallions, or both, such as surgical or immunocontraception sterilization or other safe, humane, and effective methods of fertility control.'.

(d) In subsection (d) (as so designated) of section 3--

(1) by striking `determines' and all that follows through `horses and burros to be' in subparagraph (B) and inserting `has exhausted all practicable options for maintaining a thriving natural ecological balance on the range, the Secretary may provide that wild free-roaming horses and burros are';

(2) by striking `for which he determines' the first place it appears and inserting `so long as the Secretary has determined';

(3) by striking `and for which he determines he can assure' and inserting `and the Secretary can ensure';

(4) by striking `(including' and all that follows through `That, not' and inserting the following: `by requiring that--

`(1) no';

(5) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--

(A) by striking `animals' the first two places it appears and inserting `wild free-roaming horses and burros';

(B) by striking `such' the first place it appears and inserting `the'; and

`(2) each individual adopter shall execute an appropriate attestation, pursuant to section 1001 of title 18, United States Code, affirming that adopted animals or their remains shall not be sold or transferred for consideration for processing into commercial products; and

`(3) wild free-roaming horses and burros may not be contained in corrals or short-term holding facilities for more than 6 months while awaiting disposition.'; and

(6) by striking subparagraph (C) and paragraph (3).

(e) Redesignate subsection (c) of section 3 as subsection (e) and in such subsection--

(1) by striking `Where excess animals have' and inserting `When a wild free-roaming horse or burro has';

(2) by striking `a period of';

(3) by striking `is authorized' and inserting `shall,';

(4) by inserting a comma after `transferee';

(5) by striking `to' before `grant';

(6) by striking `title to not more than four animals to'; and

(7) by striking `at the end of the one-year period' and inserting `title to that animal'.

(f) Redesignate subsection (d) of section 3 as subsection (f) and in such subsection--

(1) by striking `Wild' and inserting `(1) Except as provided for in paragraph (2), wild';

(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively;

(3) in subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by striking `(c) except for the limitation of subsection (c)(1)' and inserting `(e)';

(4) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated), by striking `(b)'and inserting `(h)';

(5) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated), by striking `; or' and inserting a period; and

(6) in paragraph (5), by striking `(5)' and all that follows through `burro' and inserting the following:

`(2) No animal ever covered under this Act'.

(g) By inserting after section 3(f) (as so redesignated) the following:

`(g) Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this subsection, for the purposes of carrying out a successful wild free-roaming horse and burro adoption program the Secretary shall--

`(1) implement creative and more aggressive marketing strategies for the adoption program, including the use of the internet or other media to showcase horses and the adoption program;

`(2) explore public outreach opportunities, including agreements with local and State organizations that are using horses for rehabilitation, therapy, or prisoner programs;

`(3) provide resources to properly screen and train potential adopters;

`(4) conduct tours of Bureau of Land Management facilities for interested parties;

`(5) develop volunteer mentor and compliance check programs for assisting the agency in facilitating successful adoptions;

`(6) develop a program through which potential adopters may be offered an economic incentive for successful completion of the adoption process; and

`(7) take any and all other actions that the Secretary determines to be necessary and useful towards expanding the wild horse and burro adoption program.

`(h) The Secretary may not destroy or authorize the destruction of wild free-roaming horses or burros unless the Secretary--

`(1) determines that the wild free-roaming horse or burro is terminally ill or fatally injured; and

`(2) ensures that the terminally ill or fatally injured wild free-roaming horse or burro will be destroyed in the most humane manner.

`(i) If the immediate health or safety of wild free-roaming horses or burros is threatened, such as in severe drought conditions, the Secretary may temporarily remove animals from the range.

`(j) The Secretary may remove from the range wild free-roaming horses and burros determined to be a threat to the health and well being of native plant or wildlife species.

`(k) Except in cases of removal under subsection (d), (i), or (j), if the Secretary removes wild free-roaming horses or burros from an area, the Secretary shall provide a public notice on the Website of the Bureau of Land Management 30 days prior to the planned removal.

`(l) The Secretary shall--

`(1) track the number of wild free-roaming horses and burros injured or killed during gathering or holding in a centralized database system;

`(2) determine what information on the treatment of gathered wild free-roaming horses and burros in holding and adopted wild free-roaming horses and burros could be provided to the public to help inform the public about the treatment of wild free-roaming horses and burros; and

`(3) ensure that such information is easily accessible on the Website of the Bureau of Land Management.'.

(h) By striking subsection (e) (relating to sale of excess animals).

SEC. 6. PRIVATE MAINTENANCE.

Section 4 (16 U.S.C. 1334) is amended--

(1) by striking `animals removed' and inserting `animals returned to public land'; and

(2) by inserting `pursuant to section 3(h)' after `agents of the Secretary'.

SEC. 7. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.

Section 6 (16 U.S.C. 1336) is amended by inserting `and other private entities' after `landowners'.

SEC. 8. JOINT ADVISORY BOARD.

Section 7 (16 U.S.C. 1337) is amended--

(1) by striking `nine' and inserting `12';

(2) by striking `Governments' and all that follows `management.' and inserting `Governments and shall include three representatives of the livestock industry; three representatives of the environmental community; three representatives of the animal protection community; and three scientists with expertise in wildlife management, animal husbandry, or natural resource management.'; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new sentence: `Nomination of members of the board shall be conducted by public notice and comment in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. appendix) and shall be for a term of four years. No individual shall serve more then two consecutive terms.'.

SEC. 9. CRIMINAL PROVISIONS.

Section 8 (16 U.S.C. 1338) is amended--

(1) by striking `Any person who' and inserting `(a) Any person who'; and

(2) in paragraph (4) of subsection (a) (as so designated)--

(A) by striking `except as provided in section 3(e),';

(B) by inserting `, transports for processing,' after `processes';

(D) by inserting `for consideration' after `burro'.

SEC. 10. LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY.

Strike section 10 (16 U.S.C. )