BREAKING NEWS: BLM Announces Plans to Euthanize Thousands of Wild Horses

On September 10, 2016, the Bureau of Land Management's National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board met in Elko, Nevada, to discuss the fate of nearly 45,000 wild horses deemed unadoptable. The board's controversial recommendation was euthanasia, sparking significant debate and concern amonganimal welfareadvocates.

Board's Recommendation

TheElko Dailyreported that the board suggested the Bureau of Land Management adhere to the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act by offering all suitable animals in long and short-term holding for sale without limitation or humane euthanasia. Animals unsuitable for sale should be destroyed humanely.

Ginger Kathrens of the Cloud Foundation was the sole member voting against the recommendation.

Alternative Solutions

Ben Masters, 27, proposed using birth control methods to manage the population. According to theElko Daily, a representative of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) criticized theBLMfor not effectively using contraceptive methods like porcine zona pellucida. The representative called sterilization invasive and urged the board to fund acceptable contraception forms.

Focus on Sage Grouse Habitat

The advisory board also recommended prioritizing the sage grouse habitat when removing excess animals. Ginger Kathrens abstained from voting on this recommendation.

Response from the Humane Society

TheHumane Society condemnedthe board's recommendation, stating:

“The decision of theBLMadvisory board to recommend the destruction of the 45,000 wild horses currently in holding facilities is a complete abdication of responsibility for their care. The agency would not be in this situation but for their long-term mis-management. Alternatives to this proposal have been ignored for over 20 years. The HSUS stands ready to implement these alternatives at any time.”

Over the past 20 years, theBLMhas focused on round-up and removal as a primary management strategy, leading to a financially unsustainableWild Horse and Burro Program. In fiscal year 2015,BLMspent $49 million maintaining these horses in off-range facilities, which constituted 46 percent of the agency's wild horse and burro program budget. The HSUS advocates for humane and sustainable fertility control programs.

Originally posted by Dennis Michael Lynch.