California Attorney General Warns U.S. Forest Service: Selling State’s Wild Horses for Slaughter Violates the Law

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has issued a stern warning to the U.S. Forest Service regarding the sale of wild horses for slaughter. In a letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Chief of the U.S. Forest Service Vicki Christiansen, Becerra emphasized the legal implications of such actions, urging a reversal of the decision to offer California’s wild horses for sale without restriction.

California law explicitly prohibits the possession or sale of horses with the intent of using them for human consumption. Additionally, federal law restricts the Department of the Interior from selling horses for commercial products. Historically, the Forest Service has adhered to these laws, but recentpolicychanges threaten this compliance.

Wild horses in California roam acrosspublic lands, including the Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory in Modoc National Forest. The Forest Service initiated a roundup in October to manage horse populations, aiming to gather 1,000 protected wild horses.

Attorney General Becerra's letter warns that selling horses for human consumption is a felony under California law, carrying a potential penalty of up to three years in prison. The Forest Service plans to auction the horses in two phases, initially prioritizing adoption with conditions to comply with California law. However, after January 10, 2019, sales may proceed without restrictions, risking legal violations.

In his letter, Becerra cautions Secretary Perdue that reversing the department’spolicycould lead to legal consequences for both the Forest Service and buyers.

110918 Becerra letter to USDA regarding wild horse slaughterbyLakeCoNewson Scribd

Originally posted by Lake County News