BLM Considers Cash Incentive for Mustang Adopters

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has proposed offering up to $1,000 to anyone willing to adopt a Mustang currently residing in the agency’s holding corrals. This initiative aims to boost adoptions, but wild horse advocates are criticizing the idea as costly and potentially dangerous to the horses.

The 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act protects wild horses and burros, placing them underBLMjurisdiction. Since the legislation’s passing, the agency’s methods and costs for managing the herds have become controversial among ranchers who graze livestock onpublic landsand wild horse welfare advocates alike.

In its April 26 report to Congress, theBLMproposed instituting a program that would offer anyone who adopts a wild horse or burro an incentive of up to $1,000, paid at the point of adoption.

However, wild horse advocates believe the proposal will put the equids at risk.

Meanwhile, horse advocate Jerry Finch, founder of Habitat for Horses in Hitchcock, Texas, believes there is another cost-effective way to manage the animals.

TheBLM’s report stated that 86,000 animals resided onpublic landsat the end of 2017. The agency is currently caring for 46,000 unadopted and unsold animals residing in long- and short-term corrals and contracted private pastures.

Originally posted by The Horse