On Monday 10 November I posted about the GAO report. In that post I talked about how to protect the horses. However, the call for action was deep in the post, so some may have missed it. I know they have because today I got an email asking about the bill mentioned, which will probably get a vote tomorrow. The bill, which is an appropriation bill (governmental budget bill), WILL pass. It is up to us if it passes with bad things in it or if it passes the way we want it to. Below is the relevant part of the post.
For these reasons and many more it is imperative that EVERYONE contact their Congressperson and Senators and ask for answers. Nothing will answer these questions other than independent assessment of the wild horse and burro population and a full Congressional investigation. The American Herds report should be cited as a comprehensive investigation that shows that the BLM census numbers are not accurate, but not because they underestimate but because they are inflating the number of horses in the wild. Since there are such widely differing census numbers it is important to determine what the correct population is. Until such an assessment is done and until a Congressional hearing is held the BLM should be prevented from killing a single healthy animal in holding facilities. Wording should be included in the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act, S 3213 to prevent the BLM from using any of their budget to "euthanize" healthy animals. Please pass this along to your friends, relatives and anyone in your address book. The lives of over 30,000 horses depend on our voices, please do not let them die because the GAO failed to do its job properly or because the BLM improperly manages the program.
S 3213 also includes language that will remove the protections that Wild Horse Annie gained for the horses, by allowing the unlimited use of aircraft, including helicopters, to remove horses. It also changes their determination from Wild and Free-Roaming to "feral". Legally this is devastating to the protections of our wild horses and burros. This is found on page 107. An amendment can and should change this.
To find your Congressperson and Senators visit the Save Our Wild Horses website or the House and Senate websites.
I don't normally beg, but in this case I am BEGGING everyone to act, the fate of our wild horses depend on it. Remember that you can't ask that the bill not pass, you must ask for AMENDMENTS to the bill.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
GAO Report
For the last month many of us have eagerly awaited the public release of the GAO's report on the Wild Horse and Burro Program. We just knew, based on their previous investigations, that they would do an incredible and in-depth report based on their previous investigations. In our minds we just knew that while it might not come down fully on the side of the horses, it would be fair and truthful. The BLM must have had such a hard time not to laugh in our faces.
While we had to wait more than 30 days after its release to Congress, the BLM knew what it was going to say before it came out. The GAO took surveys of BLM field offices and the report reads as if it came directly off the BLM website, and I believe that parts of it did. There was no real investigation of facts and documents provided by humane groups were ignored, especially if there was anything that conflicted with the BLM's "official" position. Of course the worst part of the report, the one that basically demanded that the BLM begin the wholesale killing of healthy wild horses in holding facilities, wasn't even expressed on the BLM site.
If you haven't yet read the report you can find it on our website or the GAO's site. Everyone should read it, our taxpayer dollars paid for it. But after reading it one has to wonder why it took months to prepare since it is full of BLM quotes many of us have heard before.
One of the things one has to wonder about is why the report repeatedly spoke about the BLM's census methods. According to the report, the census methods used by BLM are not only not accurate, but are under-estimating herd sizes astronomically. The method can only UNDER estimate, not over estimate. The method used by BLM are direct count plus a percentage for unseen animals and increased each year by a percentage to account for foals. This is the method the BLM stood behind for years saying that it was accurate + OR - anywhere from 15-20%. Now the GAO report says that the method is so inaccurate that it may account for hundreds of uncounted horses. They fail to follow with the logic that if it is so inaccurate the BLM should reevaluate the AMLs as the range has shown that it could support more horses than originally thought.
The report cites the Jackson Mountain HMA as an example. During the Jackson Mountain fiasco over 185 horses died during the removal and holding. The report erroneously cites 150. The claim is that the BLM grossly underestimated the number of horses on the range by 640 horses. They fail to mention that the BLM claimed that they were closely monitoring the herds in the Jackson Mountain HMA due to numerous reports that the water sources were not properly filling and horses were frantic to find water. They also failed to note that the neighboring Sheldon Wildlife Refuge "lost" over 400 horses that may have been migrating between the two areas. When humane groups and individuals repeatedly asked Sheldon and BLM where over 400 horses could have disappeared to, their requests for information went unanswered. By the way, during the time the horses disappeared fences were repaired between Jackson Mountain and Sheldon, so if the horses had traveled onto BLM land they would have been trapped there with no water. One single incident cannot prove that the entire BLM census method underestimates EVERY single time.
On the contrary, it is not only possible but statistically probable that they could just as easily OVER estimate census numbers. If one looks at the report prepared by the American Herds, it is not only possible but probable that the population still roaming our public lands is 20,000 fewer than the BLM estimates. American Herds looks at the way BLM calculates the population of horses and using their own methods comes to much lower number than the BLM and below their arbitrarily determined Appropriate Management Level (AML).
The determination of AML is important because it determines how many horses are removed from the range. If the AML is set too low, as it is in many areas where the AML is below 40 horses, horses are removed unnecessarily and put into holding facilities. If the GAO is looking at how to handle the horses in holding facilities they should have looked at the fact that they may or may not have been gathered improperly. This is especially true when they are basically saying these horses should be euthanized. That should be the last resort as the law states, not the answer to issues that are as yet unresolved. It is possible that these horses should be returned to their rightful place on the range and not held and certainly not killed.
The GAO also failed to recognize that the BLM has zeroed out herd areas in violation of the law that states that the horses are to "be managed WHERE THEY ARE FOUND" (emphasis added). For them to have decided for convenience sake that herd areas should be closed or horses not returned after disaster is not within their jurisdiction. The law trumps policy. In addition, the BLM has removed around 30 MILLION acres from the wild horse and burro program. Certainly the 30,000 horses in holding, or at least a large majority, could be returned to the range if this land is once again added to the program. Then the taxpayer wouldn't be footing the bill for their care at these facilities and the horses would be where they belong. Since most if not all stallions are castrated when they enter the holding facilities, it isn't likely that they would be genetically viable, but it is far better than their death.
For these reasons and many more it is imperative that EVERYONE contact their Congressperson and Senators and ask for answers. Nothing will answer these questions other than independent assessment of the wild horse and burro population and a full Congressional investigation. The American Herds report should be cited as a comprehensive investigation that shows that the BLM census numbers are not accurate, but not because they underestimate but because they are inflating the number of horses in the wild. Since there are such widely differing census numbers it is important to determine what the correct population is. Until such an assessment is done and until a Congressional hearing is held the BLM should be prevented from killing a single healthy animal in holding facilities. Wording should be included in the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act, S 3213 to prevent the BLM from using any of their budget to "euthanize" healthy animals. Please pass this along to your friends, relatives and anyone in your address book. The lives of over 30,000 horses depend on our voices, please do not let them die because the GAO failed to do its job properly or because the BLM improperly manages the program.
To find your Congressperson and Senators visit the Save Our Wild Horses website.
The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board is meeting next Monday, 17 November 2008 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino’s Reno Ballroom, 50 East Fourth Street, Reno, Nevada from 8am to 5pm local time. Comments should also be submitted to them asking that they NOT approve any motions to euthanize healthy animals in holding facilities. Those who would like to comment but are unable to attend may submit a written statement no later than November 12, 2008, to: Bureau of Land Management, National Wild Horse and Burro Program, WO-260, Attention: Ramona DeLorme, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno, Nevada, 89502-7147. Comments may also be e-mailed to: Ramona_DeLorme@blm.gov . Those submitting comments electronically should include the identifier "WH&B" in the subject of their message and their name and address in the body of the message.
The Commission for the Preservation of Wild Horses is also meeting 14 November 2008 at the Winnemucca Convention Center at 50 West Winnemucca Blvd in Winnemucca, Nevada from 9am to 11am. They should also receive comments.
Thank you for your time and dedication and PLEASE forward this far and wide.
While we had to wait more than 30 days after its release to Congress, the BLM knew what it was going to say before it came out. The GAO took surveys of BLM field offices and the report reads as if it came directly off the BLM website, and I believe that parts of it did. There was no real investigation of facts and documents provided by humane groups were ignored, especially if there was anything that conflicted with the BLM's "official" position. Of course the worst part of the report, the one that basically demanded that the BLM begin the wholesale killing of healthy wild horses in holding facilities, wasn't even expressed on the BLM site.
If you haven't yet read the report you can find it on our website or the GAO's site. Everyone should read it, our taxpayer dollars paid for it. But after reading it one has to wonder why it took months to prepare since it is full of BLM quotes many of us have heard before.
One of the things one has to wonder about is why the report repeatedly spoke about the BLM's census methods. According to the report, the census methods used by BLM are not only not accurate, but are under-estimating herd sizes astronomically. The method can only UNDER estimate, not over estimate. The method used by BLM are direct count plus a percentage for unseen animals and increased each year by a percentage to account for foals. This is the method the BLM stood behind for years saying that it was accurate + OR - anywhere from 15-20%. Now the GAO report says that the method is so inaccurate that it may account for hundreds of uncounted horses. They fail to follow with the logic that if it is so inaccurate the BLM should reevaluate the AMLs as the range has shown that it could support more horses than originally thought.
The report cites the Jackson Mountain HMA as an example. During the Jackson Mountain fiasco over 185 horses died during the removal and holding. The report erroneously cites 150. The claim is that the BLM grossly underestimated the number of horses on the range by 640 horses. They fail to mention that the BLM claimed that they were closely monitoring the herds in the Jackson Mountain HMA due to numerous reports that the water sources were not properly filling and horses were frantic to find water. They also failed to note that the neighboring Sheldon Wildlife Refuge "lost" over 400 horses that may have been migrating between the two areas. When humane groups and individuals repeatedly asked Sheldon and BLM where over 400 horses could have disappeared to, their requests for information went unanswered. By the way, during the time the horses disappeared fences were repaired between Jackson Mountain and Sheldon, so if the horses had traveled onto BLM land they would have been trapped there with no water. One single incident cannot prove that the entire BLM census method underestimates EVERY single time.
On the contrary, it is not only possible but statistically probable that they could just as easily OVER estimate census numbers. If one looks at the report prepared by the American Herds, it is not only possible but probable that the population still roaming our public lands is 20,000 fewer than the BLM estimates. American Herds looks at the way BLM calculates the population of horses and using their own methods comes to much lower number than the BLM and below their arbitrarily determined Appropriate Management Level (AML).
The determination of AML is important because it determines how many horses are removed from the range. If the AML is set too low, as it is in many areas where the AML is below 40 horses, horses are removed unnecessarily and put into holding facilities. If the GAO is looking at how to handle the horses in holding facilities they should have looked at the fact that they may or may not have been gathered improperly. This is especially true when they are basically saying these horses should be euthanized. That should be the last resort as the law states, not the answer to issues that are as yet unresolved. It is possible that these horses should be returned to their rightful place on the range and not held and certainly not killed.
The GAO also failed to recognize that the BLM has zeroed out herd areas in violation of the law that states that the horses are to "be managed WHERE THEY ARE FOUND" (emphasis added). For them to have decided for convenience sake that herd areas should be closed or horses not returned after disaster is not within their jurisdiction. The law trumps policy. In addition, the BLM has removed around 30 MILLION acres from the wild horse and burro program. Certainly the 30,000 horses in holding, or at least a large majority, could be returned to the range if this land is once again added to the program. Then the taxpayer wouldn't be footing the bill for their care at these facilities and the horses would be where they belong. Since most if not all stallions are castrated when they enter the holding facilities, it isn't likely that they would be genetically viable, but it is far better than their death.
For these reasons and many more it is imperative that EVERYONE contact their Congressperson and Senators and ask for answers. Nothing will answer these questions other than independent assessment of the wild horse and burro population and a full Congressional investigation. The American Herds report should be cited as a comprehensive investigation that shows that the BLM census numbers are not accurate, but not because they underestimate but because they are inflating the number of horses in the wild. Since there are such widely differing census numbers it is important to determine what the correct population is. Until such an assessment is done and until a Congressional hearing is held the BLM should be prevented from killing a single healthy animal in holding facilities. Wording should be included in the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act, S 3213 to prevent the BLM from using any of their budget to "euthanize" healthy animals. Please pass this along to your friends, relatives and anyone in your address book. The lives of over 30,000 horses depend on our voices, please do not let them die because the GAO failed to do its job properly or because the BLM improperly manages the program.
To find your Congressperson and Senators visit the Save Our Wild Horses website.
The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board is meeting next Monday, 17 November 2008 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino’s Reno Ballroom, 50 East Fourth Street, Reno, Nevada from 8am to 5pm local time. Comments should also be submitted to them asking that they NOT approve any motions to euthanize healthy animals in holding facilities. Those who would like to comment but are unable to attend may submit a written statement no later than November 12, 2008, to: Bureau of Land Management, National Wild Horse and Burro Program, WO-260, Attention: Ramona DeLorme, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno, Nevada, 89502-7147. Comments may also be e-mailed to: Ramona_DeLorme@blm.gov . Those submitting comments electronically should include the identifier "WH&B" in the subject of their message and their name and address in the body of the message.
The Commission for the Preservation of Wild Horses is also meeting 14 November 2008 at the Winnemucca Convention Center at 50 West Winnemucca Blvd in Winnemucca, Nevada from 9am to 11am. They should also receive comments.
Thank you for your time and dedication and PLEASE forward this far and wide.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Time off- What's that?
Congress is not in session and the bills to ban horse slaughter and to restore the protections for our nation's wild horses are not going to be heard until they are reintroduced next session. So, one would think I wouldn't have much to do right now and could take a break. WRONG!
It seems as busy today around AHDF as it does during a Congressional push. Not with the same things, but nothing is ever quiet in the horse welfare world. We are heading into winter the time when horses are most at risk for neglect. The BLM continues to remove horses at an alarming rate, although they have for a short time (because of budget constraints) stopped "emergency" removals. I have worked during holidays, children's birthdays and anniversaries. It is never quiet and people should never forget the issues and that this is the hardest time for all of us, winter. And certainly this downturn in the economy isn't helping at all. Besides, we need to prepare for the next Congressional session so we are at our most effective so we can finally see our bills passed.
I am in the process of writing a booklet to help others when the new Congressional session begins. It is a sort of "how to" booklet on how Congress works and how to make your voice heard. The most questions I get are on these issues. I guess it isn't hard to tell that this is an area that I love and follow, but our government can be confusing to the average person. Hopefully, it will help those with questions and make us even more effective when the bills are once again up for vote.
Also, I noticed that some really good people were suffering. They are losing their homes, jobs and just about everything else. These people, who normally would do anything for their horses, are facing tough decisions. They know about slaughter and they know about abusive owners because we are getting pretty good about getting the issues out there. These people need to know about the Alternatives to Auction and Slaughter book. The book isn't just for those who are considering selling their beloved horses this route, it offers ideas and suggestions that can help any owner facing tough decisions. In the book is a Protective Bill of Sale and a Protective Lease Contract, ideas of what to do with your horse if you can no longer keep it, how to raise the funds to euthanize and lots more. The book is available for purchase on AHDF's website for $5 (to cover the cost of hosting and updating). However, if someone is facing financial difficulties and cannot afford the cost of the book if they just email me I will provide them the link for the download for free. Unfortunately we no longer have the book available in printed format.
Please consider donating to AHDF so we can keep the book available to those who need it the most. There are so many reasons to donate to AHDF, the resources we offer like Horse Care Online, Save Our Wild Horses; the work we do legislatively and legally and the assistance we offer to rescues. We would like to also start other programs to assist owners like those who simply cannot afford euthanasia, but cannot with our donations at their current level. If you would like your dantion used for a specific purpose please note that on your check or your Paypal payment and we will see that it is used for that program. The AHDF is a 501(c)3 recognized non-profit organization meaning your donations are tax deductible.
No matter what we continue to be busy. I look forward to a day when I can take a break, not because I like to lay around eating bon-bons but because it would mean horses are no longer at risk for slaughter or abuse. But it isn't likely to happen anytime soon, if ever.
It seems as busy today around AHDF as it does during a Congressional push. Not with the same things, but nothing is ever quiet in the horse welfare world. We are heading into winter the time when horses are most at risk for neglect. The BLM continues to remove horses at an alarming rate, although they have for a short time (because of budget constraints) stopped "emergency" removals. I have worked during holidays, children's birthdays and anniversaries. It is never quiet and people should never forget the issues and that this is the hardest time for all of us, winter. And certainly this downturn in the economy isn't helping at all. Besides, we need to prepare for the next Congressional session so we are at our most effective so we can finally see our bills passed.
I am in the process of writing a booklet to help others when the new Congressional session begins. It is a sort of "how to" booklet on how Congress works and how to make your voice heard. The most questions I get are on these issues. I guess it isn't hard to tell that this is an area that I love and follow, but our government can be confusing to the average person. Hopefully, it will help those with questions and make us even more effective when the bills are once again up for vote.
Also, I noticed that some really good people were suffering. They are losing their homes, jobs and just about everything else. These people, who normally would do anything for their horses, are facing tough decisions. They know about slaughter and they know about abusive owners because we are getting pretty good about getting the issues out there. These people need to know about the Alternatives to Auction and Slaughter book. The book isn't just for those who are considering selling their beloved horses this route, it offers ideas and suggestions that can help any owner facing tough decisions. In the book is a Protective Bill of Sale and a Protective Lease Contract, ideas of what to do with your horse if you can no longer keep it, how to raise the funds to euthanize and lots more. The book is available for purchase on AHDF's website for $5 (to cover the cost of hosting and updating). However, if someone is facing financial difficulties and cannot afford the cost of the book if they just email me I will provide them the link for the download for free. Unfortunately we no longer have the book available in printed format.
Please consider donating to AHDF so we can keep the book available to those who need it the most. There are so many reasons to donate to AHDF, the resources we offer like Horse Care Online, Save Our Wild Horses; the work we do legislatively and legally and the assistance we offer to rescues. We would like to also start other programs to assist owners like those who simply cannot afford euthanasia, but cannot with our donations at their current level. If you would like your dantion used for a specific purpose please note that on your check or your Paypal payment and we will see that it is used for that program. The AHDF is a 501(c)3 recognized non-profit organization meaning your donations are tax deductible.
No matter what we continue to be busy. I look forward to a day when I can take a break, not because I like to lay around eating bon-bons but because it would mean horses are no longer at risk for slaughter or abuse. But it isn't likely to happen anytime soon, if ever.
Monday, September 15, 2008
New Website Opens
The American Horse Defense Fund (AHDF) announces the new website www.SaveOurWildHorse.com is now live!
The website is designed to be a resource for information on wild horses and burros for the average person or for those looking for information on responding to the Bureau of Land Mangement's (BLM) public comment requests. The site serves as a repository of information no longer found on the BLM's website and other resources that users may find useful.
The site launch is especially important considering the recent announcement of the BLM that they are considering euthanasia as an option for wild horses and burros in holding facilities and on the range. The BLM is still considering removing even more horses from the range despite budget difficulties that they claim resulted in the need to consider euthanasia. Public comments are currently being accepted in a few herd areas and those wishing to comment may wish to research their responses on the new site.
The site includes information on how the public can help protect the horses, a section for children an extensive resources.
The launch is the culmination of months of work by the AHDF volunteer staff. The staff plans on adding more resources to enhance the use of the site in the coming weeks.
The website is designed to be a resource for information on wild horses and burros for the average person or for those looking for information on responding to the Bureau of Land Mangement's (BLM) public comment requests. The site serves as a repository of information no longer found on the BLM's website and other resources that users may find useful.
The site launch is especially important considering the recent announcement of the BLM that they are considering euthanasia as an option for wild horses and burros in holding facilities and on the range. The BLM is still considering removing even more horses from the range despite budget difficulties that they claim resulted in the need to consider euthanasia. Public comments are currently being accepted in a few herd areas and those wishing to comment may wish to research their responses on the new site.
The site includes information on how the public can help protect the horses, a section for children an extensive resources.
The launch is the culmination of months of work by the AHDF volunteer staff. The staff plans on adding more resources to enhance the use of the site in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Depths some people will stoop to
Periodically I get reports on what happens at auctions. I like to know what is going on at various parts of the country. However, I was shocked this morning at a report I got from an auction held yesterday in Cannon Falls, MN at the Simon Horse Company. The first terrible issue was the fact that the auction accepted and was auctioning off foals. I am not talking about young horses about 6 months old, we are talking FOALS some with umbilical cords still attached. These little guys should still be with their mothers. They were tiny babies 1,2 and 3 months old.
I guess I shouldn't be too shocked, the owner of the auction house is a known KB (kill buyer) and trader. However, from a business standpoint selling these animals is a bad idea. If the foals go to the wrong person who doesn't know how to care for "orphans" they will die. (These guys got lucky they ended up with a rescue group.) In this economy it is also a bad idea because these babies aren't going to bring in much either, they are too far away from being ridden. These little ones are not going to bring the prices to make an auction any money. They knew that.
Then the real agenda becomes apparent. During the auction the auctioneer stops the auction to give a "lesson" on horse slaughter. His lesson included falsehoods and outright lies. Of course what do you expect from a guy who has been cited by the USDA for violations of the Commercial Transport of Equines to Slaughter laws? This man and his sons who run the Simon Horse Company were noted in the reports FOIAed by Animal Angels 11 times with numerous violations for each citation. However, he also had a little help. In the audience was a lobbyist who collected signatures against HR 6598. If they were at this auction we can assume they were at others in the area as well.
Their lies included that horse slaughter was banned by federal law. It was not, the states where the plants were located banned them and closed them. There is NO federal law banning horse slaughter. They said that South Dakota wanted a horse slaughter plant but couldn't because of the federal ban. This is not true. SD considered a bill to allow the opening of a horse slaughter plant on tribal lands, but the bill was defeated. They said that the only outlet for horses going to slaughter was transport to Canada and Mexico and that is threatened by HR 6598 which was coming up for a vote. This is true partially, the only outlet for slaughter horses is through transport to Canada and Mexico and HR 6598 would threaten that. But the vote is a committee vote, not a full vote. I am sure there will be plenty of debate on it both today and later when it goes to the House floor for a full vote.
The lobbyist and the auctioneer whipped the crowd into a frenzy talking about how horses have no value any more because of the ban on slaughter. They told them that the prices of the horses sold at auction were proof of that. Then they collected signatures on a petition to be used in the fight of HR 6598.
It isn't often that we have a chance to correct wrongs in our lives, but this time we do. Please take a moment to write a letter to the editor of the local papers in the area. I will post their information below. In the letters the truth has to come out. We MUST let those people know that they were lied to. What happened at that auction is inexcusable. They sacrificed those foals for a political purpose. At their age they couldn't have been legally transported to slaughter. Of course as we know the Simons family doesn't put much stock in what is legal based on their record with the USDA. But the good people of MN usually do care and they shouldn't be misled by the lies of people who make their living off the deaths of horses.
BTW, no fines have been levied against the Simons family for their violations of the Commercial Transport of Equine to Slaughter.
Cannon Falls Beacon 120 South 4th Street, Box 366 Cannon Falls, MN, 55009; Local Phone: (507) 263-3991, Toll Free: (800) 263-3991, News Fax: (507) 263-2300; email the editor dick@cannonfalls.com
Minneapolis Star Tribune Editorial Department, Star Tribune, 425 Portland Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55488; fax to 612-673-4359, phone 612-673-4343 or 1-800-775-4344; online form
Pierce County Herald 126 S. Chestnut St. Ellsworth, WI. 54011; Local News: 715-273-4334, Fax: 715-273-4335; email pcheditor@rivertowns.net or webform
Minnesota Daily (univeristy paper) webform
Points to make
Thanks!!
I guess I shouldn't be too shocked, the owner of the auction house is a known KB (kill buyer) and trader. However, from a business standpoint selling these animals is a bad idea. If the foals go to the wrong person who doesn't know how to care for "orphans" they will die. (These guys got lucky they ended up with a rescue group.) In this economy it is also a bad idea because these babies aren't going to bring in much either, they are too far away from being ridden. These little ones are not going to bring the prices to make an auction any money. They knew that.
Then the real agenda becomes apparent. During the auction the auctioneer stops the auction to give a "lesson" on horse slaughter. His lesson included falsehoods and outright lies. Of course what do you expect from a guy who has been cited by the USDA for violations of the Commercial Transport of Equines to Slaughter laws? This man and his sons who run the Simon Horse Company were noted in the reports FOIAed by Animal Angels 11 times with numerous violations for each citation. However, he also had a little help. In the audience was a lobbyist who collected signatures against HR 6598. If they were at this auction we can assume they were at others in the area as well.
Their lies included that horse slaughter was banned by federal law. It was not, the states where the plants were located banned them and closed them. There is NO federal law banning horse slaughter. They said that South Dakota wanted a horse slaughter plant but couldn't because of the federal ban. This is not true. SD considered a bill to allow the opening of a horse slaughter plant on tribal lands, but the bill was defeated. They said that the only outlet for horses going to slaughter was transport to Canada and Mexico and that is threatened by HR 6598 which was coming up for a vote. This is true partially, the only outlet for slaughter horses is through transport to Canada and Mexico and HR 6598 would threaten that. But the vote is a committee vote, not a full vote. I am sure there will be plenty of debate on it both today and later when it goes to the House floor for a full vote.
The lobbyist and the auctioneer whipped the crowd into a frenzy talking about how horses have no value any more because of the ban on slaughter. They told them that the prices of the horses sold at auction were proof of that. Then they collected signatures on a petition to be used in the fight of HR 6598.
It isn't often that we have a chance to correct wrongs in our lives, but this time we do. Please take a moment to write a letter to the editor of the local papers in the area. I will post their information below. In the letters the truth has to come out. We MUST let those people know that they were lied to. What happened at that auction is inexcusable. They sacrificed those foals for a political purpose. At their age they couldn't have been legally transported to slaughter. Of course as we know the Simons family doesn't put much stock in what is legal based on their record with the USDA. But the good people of MN usually do care and they shouldn't be misled by the lies of people who make their living off the deaths of horses.
BTW, no fines have been levied against the Simons family for their violations of the Commercial Transport of Equine to Slaughter.
Cannon Falls Beacon 120 South 4th Street, Box 366 Cannon Falls, MN, 55009; Local Phone: (507) 263-3991, Toll Free: (800) 263-3991, News Fax: (507) 263-2300; email the editor dick@cannonfalls.com
Minneapolis Star Tribune Editorial Department, Star Tribune, 425 Portland Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55488; fax to 612-673-4359, phone 612-673-4343 or 1-800-775-4344; online form
Pierce County Herald 126 S. Chestnut St. Ellsworth, WI. 54011; Local News: 715-273-4334, Fax: 715-273-4335; email pcheditor@rivertowns.net or webform
Minnesota Daily (univeristy paper) webform
Points to make
- There is no federal ban on horse slaughter
- Horse slaughter is inhumane and Congress is considering HR 6598, the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008
- The price of horses is contingent on the economy, horse slaughter doesn't set a "floor" for prices. Even when slaughter plants were processing they didn't buy every horse
- Healthy, young horses go to slaughter (average age of 5), not the very old, they very young, sick, blind and lame because it is illegal and the plants are processing for high price point sales and they want the very best meat possible or their sales go down
Thanks!!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Heartbreak
Sometimes things hit me and more often than not, it is because they break my heart. I go to DC alot and meet with powerful people. Most are elected to office and what prompted them to run? They really and truly want to do something good, they want to make the world a better place. However, a few years down the road somehow they lose their way. They start out by making a few deals to do what they think is the "good" thing. Then it becomes easier and then they start making deals for money, donations to their campaigns, whatever. Some sell themselves so cheaply that you have to wonder about their self-esteem. It breaks my heart.
Now I want to make it clear that I am not opposed to our system of government. I am probably the most patriotic person anyone could meet. My father retired from the military, my father-in-law retired from the military, my sons have served, heck I even enlisted but I got pregnant and couldn't report. I vote, my whole family votes. I believe that we have the best form of government in the world, but it isn't perfect. That is why it evolves and changes and it could use some tweeking on special interest and term limits.
Why am I off on a rant on the government? Because of the horse issues. There has been a horse slaughter ban bill pending in Congress for 8 YEARS. Every session there has been a great deal of support for the bill, but a handful of people have prevented its vote, changed their vote beacuse of deals or just flat out lied to block it. It is insane!! A simple bill with huge bi-partisan support cannot pass. If you trace it back it is because of special interest because otherwise nobody would do what has been done if they didn't get money for it, it isn't worth what those people have gone through. Bob Godlatte isn't opposed to the bill because he honestly thinks that horses really do enjoy slaughter. Senator Larry Craig didn't block the bill because he thinks that all horses should die. Both have close ties to the cattle industry. I can guarantee that Larry Craig will be working alongside Charles Stenholm for a lobby firm when he leaves office. It is money.
Then we have the wild horse issue. The BLM is opening the doors to "euthanizing" tens of thousands of healthy horses. It isn't euthanasia, it is murder. The range supposedly can't support them. It can support 4.6 million cattle, it can support 700,000 elk, it can support 60,000 big horn sheep, but it can't handle 60,000 horses (those on the range and those in holding). That is bulls**t. Normally I am not so blunt, but I am in tears right now and I refuse to pull punches when someone is seriously breaking my heart. Those horses have been sold out and for so very little.
When Newsweek published an article (http://www.newsweek.com/id/42723) a few weeks ago I read it as I do as many articles about the horses as I can. However, tonight someone sent me the link again. I went to make sure I had read it and this time I read the comments. People were talking about how we (the people who want the horses on the range) seriously didn't care about the horses. That the range was so bad that these "large" herds were destroying the land. That there are no predetors so the BLM should kill them. Others asked where the environmentalists were and why they weren't speaking out to help the horses. Why? Because the BLM and OUR GOVERNMENT has done such a great job of hiding scientific proof that the horse originated in North America and the great PR on how these aren't really wild animals, but are feral. Track it all back and it goes to money and a VERY long history of it. Horses were here when the first white settlers crossed the plains.
Other comments said the wild horses and burros were "worthless". Others asked whey they weren't protected like the bald eagle. Well, let's look at that. The bald eagle is no longer as protected as it once was. We pushed them to the brink of extinction and they were our nations' symbol from the beginning. We did a great job there. Some other comments said the horses have no predators. That is a lie, they do. But our government has erradicated most of these predators because these poor animals can't tell the difference between worthless horses and priceless cattle. (Ok after I get upset I tend to get REALLY ticked off, but I am trying to keep some of the really bad words from spilling out.)
The grazing program on federal lands is one that costs the tax payer ALOT. It is really hard to know the exact cost because so much of it is hidden by the BLM. We do know that in the past it lost over $41 million dollars a year (darn that is where the money went to maintain the horses in holding facilities!!) and that was years ago. Grazing fees haven't increased, as a matter of fact they are as low as the law allows. Under Reagan the program was losing so much money that he passed laws to set a minimum fee and allowed the BLM to increase the fees up to 25% a year. Instead of raising the fees, the BLM REDUCED them. So, we can expect that we, the tax payer, is paying more. I am not going to go into too much more of the policies that are absolutely riddiculous things we pay for, but let's just say we should all move west and get grazing permits so we don't have to pay our own bills. If we did that then maybe we would have the money to fight/match those working to destroy our horses.
I am also sick to death of being told that because I care about horses and being humane to animals I don't care about children. I am not sure how anyone can make that leap, but that is the most stupid thing I have ever heard. I have worked for years as a kid to raise money for March of Dimes and Muscular Distrophy. I have volunteered hundreds of hours at schools, sat on PTA committees, donated to Habitat for Humanity and thousands of other things. I care about people too. There are literally thousands of organizations that work on those issue, there are only a handful of humane organizations and fewer still that work for the horses. Things that hurt children break my heart too. I cry over them as well, probably more.
In the end when mustangs are extinct and no longer are available to be viewed by our children and grandchildren who should we cry for? Those that will never see those stunningly beautiful animals or the animals that are gone? How can we explain to them that money was more important? Or is it already too late, that we have become a souless society that cares more about the bottom line? We are facing their extinction. What about horse slaughter? Is the almighty dollar more important than doing the right thing, the humane thing?
Ok, I am done with my rant. I am going to say here that these are MY personal opinions. They may not reflect those of AHDF, its board or members. Names of political figures are not to be meant as an endorsement or oppostion of them as candidates of whatever they may or may not be running for.
Now I want to make it clear that I am not opposed to our system of government. I am probably the most patriotic person anyone could meet. My father retired from the military, my father-in-law retired from the military, my sons have served, heck I even enlisted but I got pregnant and couldn't report. I vote, my whole family votes. I believe that we have the best form of government in the world, but it isn't perfect. That is why it evolves and changes and it could use some tweeking on special interest and term limits.
Why am I off on a rant on the government? Because of the horse issues. There has been a horse slaughter ban bill pending in Congress for 8 YEARS. Every session there has been a great deal of support for the bill, but a handful of people have prevented its vote, changed their vote beacuse of deals or just flat out lied to block it. It is insane!! A simple bill with huge bi-partisan support cannot pass. If you trace it back it is because of special interest because otherwise nobody would do what has been done if they didn't get money for it, it isn't worth what those people have gone through. Bob Godlatte isn't opposed to the bill because he honestly thinks that horses really do enjoy slaughter. Senator Larry Craig didn't block the bill because he thinks that all horses should die. Both have close ties to the cattle industry. I can guarantee that Larry Craig will be working alongside Charles Stenholm for a lobby firm when he leaves office. It is money.
Then we have the wild horse issue. The BLM is opening the doors to "euthanizing" tens of thousands of healthy horses. It isn't euthanasia, it is murder. The range supposedly can't support them. It can support 4.6 million cattle, it can support 700,000 elk, it can support 60,000 big horn sheep, but it can't handle 60,000 horses (those on the range and those in holding). That is bulls**t. Normally I am not so blunt, but I am in tears right now and I refuse to pull punches when someone is seriously breaking my heart. Those horses have been sold out and for so very little.
When Newsweek published an article (http://www.newsweek.com/id/42723) a few weeks ago I read it as I do as many articles about the horses as I can. However, tonight someone sent me the link again. I went to make sure I had read it and this time I read the comments. People were talking about how we (the people who want the horses on the range) seriously didn't care about the horses. That the range was so bad that these "large" herds were destroying the land. That there are no predetors so the BLM should kill them. Others asked where the environmentalists were and why they weren't speaking out to help the horses. Why? Because the BLM and OUR GOVERNMENT has done such a great job of hiding scientific proof that the horse originated in North America and the great PR on how these aren't really wild animals, but are feral. Track it all back and it goes to money and a VERY long history of it. Horses were here when the first white settlers crossed the plains.
Other comments said the wild horses and burros were "worthless". Others asked whey they weren't protected like the bald eagle. Well, let's look at that. The bald eagle is no longer as protected as it once was. We pushed them to the brink of extinction and they were our nations' symbol from the beginning. We did a great job there. Some other comments said the horses have no predators. That is a lie, they do. But our government has erradicated most of these predators because these poor animals can't tell the difference between worthless horses and priceless cattle. (Ok after I get upset I tend to get REALLY ticked off, but I am trying to keep some of the really bad words from spilling out.)
The grazing program on federal lands is one that costs the tax payer ALOT. It is really hard to know the exact cost because so much of it is hidden by the BLM. We do know that in the past it lost over $41 million dollars a year (darn that is where the money went to maintain the horses in holding facilities!!) and that was years ago. Grazing fees haven't increased, as a matter of fact they are as low as the law allows. Under Reagan the program was losing so much money that he passed laws to set a minimum fee and allowed the BLM to increase the fees up to 25% a year. Instead of raising the fees, the BLM REDUCED them. So, we can expect that we, the tax payer, is paying more. I am not going to go into too much more of the policies that are absolutely riddiculous things we pay for, but let's just say we should all move west and get grazing permits so we don't have to pay our own bills. If we did that then maybe we would have the money to fight/match those working to destroy our horses.
I am also sick to death of being told that because I care about horses and being humane to animals I don't care about children. I am not sure how anyone can make that leap, but that is the most stupid thing I have ever heard. I have worked for years as a kid to raise money for March of Dimes and Muscular Distrophy. I have volunteered hundreds of hours at schools, sat on PTA committees, donated to Habitat for Humanity and thousands of other things. I care about people too. There are literally thousands of organizations that work on those issue, there are only a handful of humane organizations and fewer still that work for the horses. Things that hurt children break my heart too. I cry over them as well, probably more.
In the end when mustangs are extinct and no longer are available to be viewed by our children and grandchildren who should we cry for? Those that will never see those stunningly beautiful animals or the animals that are gone? How can we explain to them that money was more important? Or is it already too late, that we have become a souless society that cares more about the bottom line? We are facing their extinction. What about horse slaughter? Is the almighty dollar more important than doing the right thing, the humane thing?
Ok, I am done with my rant. I am going to say here that these are MY personal opinions. They may not reflect those of AHDF, its board or members. Names of political figures are not to be meant as an endorsement or oppostion of them as candidates of whatever they may or may not be running for.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
BLM answers why "dangerous" horse was killed
According to the BLM Draft Euthanasia Plan a horse may be subject to euthanasia if it "Exhibits dangerous characteristics beyond those inherently associated with the wild characteristics of wild horses and burros". The BLM stated that they have had this policy for years and has replied with a policy signed in 1999. The policy is pasted below. The link to the page on the justification doesn't link to anything because this is so old.
During the Nellis removal in July was the first time we have ever had a gather summary where a horse was euthanized under the the dangerous horse criteria. Since the Draft plan called for justification of such a euthanasia, we requested this justification for the destruction of a healthy horse. We received the justification today. It is posted below. However, one has to wonder if such reasons were justified. My comments will be in black and those of the BLM in blue.
According to the USDA vet who recommended the euthanasia at the request of the BLM the horse "stayed at the edge of the pen" near an adjoining pen which originally held mares. At this boy's age it is probable that he was a band stallion. These mares could have been his, or one or more may have been in season. Later that pen held stallions. He "did not stay close to or mix with the group of stud horses in his pen". Stallions who are band stallions or breeding domestic stallions don't mix well with other studs as they see them as competition. He was "very aggressive to other horses in the pen, not allowing them to stand at that end of the pen". Obviously he had determined his territory and defended it, especially since it was nearest to the mares. He "showed little or no fear of humans and would readily leave the group of horses in his pen" (huh, I thought he didn't group with the other horses) "and run past or though the people in the pen during sorting". Ok, he was avoiding the people and refusing to be caught again. He could have been fearful, nothing new here. I have seen domestic horses do that to avoid capture, especially when more than one person approached. Plus, he probably saw the gate being opened and was making for it to escape. Remember at this time he was in pens still in his own environment. He did this over several days until moved to his own pen, when the BLM employees moved him in fear for their safety. Probably when the decision was made to "euthanize" him.
The USDA vet, Dr Albert Kane, recommended his euthanasia based on an opinion that the horse's "unusual" behavior. He states that this made the horse "dangerous to handle beyond the danger inherently associated with the wild characteristics of wild horses and burros". No notes were made about the horse attempting to strike out, bite or otherwise intentionally injure anyone. I would also like to point out that the wording of this is exactly that of the Draft Plan, not the "established" policy. The established policy states that its actions must be a documented threat to the health and safety to the public and its "threatening" behavior. I don't believe that this was true in this case at all. It is simply that he was a 10 year old stallion that would have gone directly to the overburdened long-term holding facilities. It was much easier to euthanize him on the range where it was less likely that the public would hear of it until too late and it could be done unobserved.
While this old 1999 policy was dragged back out it is interesting that in the ensuing years the BLM had changed its general euthanasia policy several times, but not this one. In the old plan for the euthanasia of 'dangerous" horses it states...
Before the BLM may euthanize an animal solely on the grounds that it is unusually dangerous to human health and safety, the authorized officer, in consultation with a veterinarian, extension agent, local humane official, or other individual acceptable to the authorized officer, must determine that the animal poses a significant danger which is unlikely to be corrected through accepted gentling practices. The BLM's authorized officer and a veterinarian, extension agent, local humane official, or other individual acceptable to the authorized officer, shall prepare and sign a written document that provides a physical and behavioral description of the animal specifying the reason this animal is considered unusually dangerous. However, this euthanasia inspection was done by an USDA vet as the 2005 general euthanasia plan called for. It is all a bit confusing, are we following the 1999 policy or the 2005 which doesn't mention dangerous animals or the Draft Plan? This euthanasia seems to have taken a bit from this one a bit from that one and heaped them all together.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
July 20, 1999
In Reply Refer To:
4730.1 (260) P
Ref. IM No. 98-141
EMS TRANSMISSION 07/26/99
Instruction Memorandum No. 99-154
Expires: 09/30/00
To: All Field Officials
From: Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and Planning
Subject: Humane Destruction of Dangerous Wild Horses and Burros
Field Offices have raised concerns about handling and/or adoption of dangerous animals currently in the adoption system. This policy identifies the rationale and requirements for decisions to euthanize unusually dangerous wild horses and burros. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued and implemented policy to euthanize animals, because they are old, sick or lame (WO-IM No. 98-141, Humane Destruction of Wild Horses and Burros). The euthanasia of an unusually dangerous animal is permissible where it is declared excess through herd management policy and guidelines, and it is a documented danger to the public. The rationale and citations for this conclusion are attached. When the authorized officer has ascertained an animal to be dangerous, the BLM should euthanize the animal in a manner consistent with the BLM policy in Manual 4730 Destruction of Wild Horses and Burros and Disposal of Remains.
Prior to being offered for adoption, horses and burros are observed during capture, preparation, shipping and handling during adoption events and training. During this time, an animal may exhibit dangerous characteristics beyond those associated merely with the inherent wild characteristics of mustangs and burros. The BLM may identify these threatening animals as unusually dangerous and find that they pose an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of the public.
While unusually aggressive behavior might be an acceptable risk on the range, such an animal can pose an unacceptable risk of injury to persons, when they are maintained in enclosed spaces where some level of handling is required. When the Bureau knows that a horse is untameable and violent, it is reasonable to conclude that an average adopter could not "humanely care" for the horse as stated in the regulations (e.g., provide proper transportation, feeding, medical care, and handling 43 CFR 4750.1).
The BLM cannot solve the problem by removing unusually dangerous animals from the adoption system and placing them in a sanctuary because this resolution also poses significant risk of injury, both to the animals in transport, and to the sanctuary operators. Most facilities are operated by private businesses under contract with the BLM and a few small sanctuaries are or have been operated by volunteers. Both contractors and volunteers may have the right to file suit in the event of injury or loss, depending on language that the BLM has in its agreements with such groups.
The course of action the BLM will pursue in circumstances where an animal is a documented risk to health and safety of the public and determined to be an unusually dangerous animal, is humane destruction.
In all cases, the final decisions regarding humane destruction of a wild horse or burro for the safety of the public, rests solely with the authorized officer (43 CFR 4730). Humane destruction of unusually dangerous animals will be conducted according to the following procedures:
* Before the BLM may euthanize an animal solely on the grounds that it is unusually dangerous to human health and safety, the authorized officer, in consultation with a veterinarian, extension agent, local humane official, or other individual acceptable to the authorized officer, must determine that the animal poses a significant danger which is unlikely to be corrected through accepted gentling practices. The BLM's authorized officer and a veterinarian, extension agent, local humane official, or other individual acceptable to the authorized officer, shall prepare and sign a written document that provides a physical and behavioral description of the animal specifying the reason this animal is considered unusually dangerous.
* The Wild Horse and Burro National Program Office (WO-260) must be notified through electronic mail of the decision to euthanize an unusually dangerous wild horse or burro.
* The BLM should never euthanize a wild horse or burro solely for reasons of population control.
Since the passage of the Act, the BLM has handled over 160,000 wild horses and burros in the adoption system and surmises that the need to humanely destroy animals classified as unusually dangerous should be a rare occurrence.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Lee Delaney, Group Manager, WO-260, at (202) 452-7744.
Signed by: Authenticated by:
Tom Walker Robert M. Williams
Deputy Assistant Director Directives, Records
Renewable Resources and Planning & Internet Group,WO540
1 Attachment
1 - Rational for Euthanasia of Dangerous Animals Based on Law and Regulations (1 p)
During the Nellis removal in July was the first time we have ever had a gather summary where a horse was euthanized under the the dangerous horse criteria. Since the Draft plan called for justification of such a euthanasia, we requested this justification for the destruction of a healthy horse. We received the justification today. It is posted below. However, one has to wonder if such reasons were justified. My comments will be in black and those of the BLM in blue.
According to the USDA vet who recommended the euthanasia at the request of the BLM the horse "stayed at the edge of the pen" near an adjoining pen which originally held mares. At this boy's age it is probable that he was a band stallion. These mares could have been his, or one or more may have been in season. Later that pen held stallions. He "did not stay close to or mix with the group of stud horses in his pen". Stallions who are band stallions or breeding domestic stallions don't mix well with other studs as they see them as competition. He was "very aggressive to other horses in the pen, not allowing them to stand at that end of the pen". Obviously he had determined his territory and defended it, especially since it was nearest to the mares. He "showed little or no fear of humans and would readily leave the group of horses in his pen" (huh, I thought he didn't group with the other horses) "and run past or though the people in the pen during sorting". Ok, he was avoiding the people and refusing to be caught again. He could have been fearful, nothing new here. I have seen domestic horses do that to avoid capture, especially when more than one person approached. Plus, he probably saw the gate being opened and was making for it to escape. Remember at this time he was in pens still in his own environment. He did this over several days until moved to his own pen, when the BLM employees moved him in fear for their safety. Probably when the decision was made to "euthanize" him.
The USDA vet, Dr Albert Kane, recommended his euthanasia based on an opinion that the horse's "unusual" behavior. He states that this made the horse "dangerous to handle beyond the danger inherently associated with the wild characteristics of wild horses and burros". No notes were made about the horse attempting to strike out, bite or otherwise intentionally injure anyone. I would also like to point out that the wording of this is exactly that of the Draft Plan, not the "established" policy. The established policy states that its actions must be a documented threat to the health and safety to the public and its "threatening" behavior. I don't believe that this was true in this case at all. It is simply that he was a 10 year old stallion that would have gone directly to the overburdened long-term holding facilities. It was much easier to euthanize him on the range where it was less likely that the public would hear of it until too late and it could be done unobserved.
While this old 1999 policy was dragged back out it is interesting that in the ensuing years the BLM had changed its general euthanasia policy several times, but not this one. In the old plan for the euthanasia of 'dangerous" horses it states...
Before the BLM may euthanize an animal solely on the grounds that it is unusually dangerous to human health and safety, the authorized officer, in consultation with a veterinarian, extension agent, local humane official, or other individual acceptable to the authorized officer, must determine that the animal poses a significant danger which is unlikely to be corrected through accepted gentling practices. The BLM's authorized officer and a veterinarian, extension agent, local humane official, or other individual acceptable to the authorized officer, shall prepare and sign a written document that provides a physical and behavioral description of the animal specifying the reason this animal is considered unusually dangerous. However, this euthanasia inspection was done by an USDA vet as the 2005 general euthanasia plan called for. It is all a bit confusing, are we following the 1999 policy or the 2005 which doesn't mention dangerous animals or the Draft Plan? This euthanasia seems to have taken a bit from this one a bit from that one and heaped them all together.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
July 20, 1999
In Reply Refer To:
4730.1 (260) P
Ref. IM No. 98-141
EMS TRANSMISSION 07/26/99
Instruction Memorandum No. 99-154
Expires: 09/30/00
To: All Field Officials
From: Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and Planning
Subject: Humane Destruction of Dangerous Wild Horses and Burros
Field Offices have raised concerns about handling and/or adoption of dangerous animals currently in the adoption system. This policy identifies the rationale and requirements for decisions to euthanize unusually dangerous wild horses and burros. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued and implemented policy to euthanize animals, because they are old, sick or lame (WO-IM No. 98-141, Humane Destruction of Wild Horses and Burros). The euthanasia of an unusually dangerous animal is permissible where it is declared excess through herd management policy and guidelines, and it is a documented danger to the public. The rationale and citations for this conclusion are attached. When the authorized officer has ascertained an animal to be dangerous, the BLM should euthanize the animal in a manner consistent with the BLM policy in Manual 4730 Destruction of Wild Horses and Burros and Disposal of Remains.
Prior to being offered for adoption, horses and burros are observed during capture, preparation, shipping and handling during adoption events and training. During this time, an animal may exhibit dangerous characteristics beyond those associated merely with the inherent wild characteristics of mustangs and burros. The BLM may identify these threatening animals as unusually dangerous and find that they pose an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of the public.
While unusually aggressive behavior might be an acceptable risk on the range, such an animal can pose an unacceptable risk of injury to persons, when they are maintained in enclosed spaces where some level of handling is required. When the Bureau knows that a horse is untameable and violent, it is reasonable to conclude that an average adopter could not "humanely care" for the horse as stated in the regulations (e.g., provide proper transportation, feeding, medical care, and handling 43 CFR 4750.1).
The BLM cannot solve the problem by removing unusually dangerous animals from the adoption system and placing them in a sanctuary because this resolution also poses significant risk of injury, both to the animals in transport, and to the sanctuary operators. Most facilities are operated by private businesses under contract with the BLM and a few small sanctuaries are or have been operated by volunteers. Both contractors and volunteers may have the right to file suit in the event of injury or loss, depending on language that the BLM has in its agreements with such groups.
The course of action the BLM will pursue in circumstances where an animal is a documented risk to health and safety of the public and determined to be an unusually dangerous animal, is humane destruction.
In all cases, the final decisions regarding humane destruction of a wild horse or burro for the safety of the public, rests solely with the authorized officer (43 CFR 4730). Humane destruction of unusually dangerous animals will be conducted according to the following procedures:
* Before the BLM may euthanize an animal solely on the grounds that it is unusually dangerous to human health and safety, the authorized officer, in consultation with a veterinarian, extension agent, local humane official, or other individual acceptable to the authorized officer, must determine that the animal poses a significant danger which is unlikely to be corrected through accepted gentling practices. The BLM's authorized officer and a veterinarian, extension agent, local humane official, or other individual acceptable to the authorized officer, shall prepare and sign a written document that provides a physical and behavioral description of the animal specifying the reason this animal is considered unusually dangerous.
* The Wild Horse and Burro National Program Office (WO-260) must be notified through electronic mail of the decision to euthanize an unusually dangerous wild horse or burro.
* The BLM should never euthanize a wild horse or burro solely for reasons of population control.
Since the passage of the Act, the BLM has handled over 160,000 wild horses and burros in the adoption system and surmises that the need to humanely destroy animals classified as unusually dangerous should be a rare occurrence.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Lee Delaney, Group Manager, WO-260, at (202) 452-7744.
Signed by: Authenticated by:
Tom Walker Robert M. Williams
Deputy Assistant Director Directives, Records
Renewable Resources and Planning & Internet Group,WO540
1 Attachment
1 - Rational for Euthanasia of Dangerous Animals Based on Law and Regulations (1 p)
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