Congress Criticizes Administration's Wild Horse Program Management

Congress Criticizes Administration's Wild Horse Program Management

21 Representatives: "It is time to change course”

WASHINGTON, DC -- Twenty-one members ofCongresssent a strong message of disapproval today to outgoing Interior Secretary Ken Salazar over his handling of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) wild horse program with just weeks left before he steps down.

The letter from Congressmen Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Ed Whitfield (R-KY), signed by 19 of their colleagues, questions the sustainability of theBLM's $80 million-a-year program. Under Salazar's tenure, for the first time in history, the U.S. government stockpiles more wild horses in taxpayer-funded holding facilities than remain free in the wild.

Secretary Salazar's management of this program led lawmakers to write that "it is time to change course" towards alternatives that will "save taxpayer dollars and manage wild horse populations in a manner that reflects their natural free-roaming behavior."

The full letter is available to view and download here.

Suzanne Roy, Director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), said:

On increased Congressional activity on this issue, she said:

On Sally Jewell, the Administration's pick to replace Salazar, she said:

The lawmakers’ letter also asks Secretary Salazar to respond to the 25,130 Americans who signed and delivered a petition organized by the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) in November, calling on him to suspend the program until reforms could be put in place in the wake of revelations that theBLMsold 1,700 wild horses to a known kill buyer. As of February 13, Salazar has not responded to the petition.

The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) (AWHC) is a coalition of more than 50 horse advocacy, public interest, and conservation organizations dedicated to preserving the American wild horse in viable, free-roaming herds for generations to come.