Ian Somerhalder Foundation Grants $20,000 for Wild Horse Fertility Control

The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) has partnered with the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) to launch a groundbreaking program aimed at humanely managing the wild horses of Nevada's Virginia Range. This initiative, supported by a $20,000 grant from ISF, seeks to maintain the freedom and safety of over 1,500 wild horses across 280,000 acres.

Innovative Management Program

The program, a collaboration between AWHC, Return to Freedom, and theNevada Department of Agriculture, is set to become the largest humane management effort for wild horses globally. ISF's $15,000 grant will fund thefertility controlcomponent, utilizing a safe vaccine to manage horse populations and prevent them from encroaching on nearby communities.

This initiative not only preserves the horses' natural habitat but also enhances public safety and benefits Nevada taxpayers. Local groups like the Hidden Valley Wild Horse Protection Fund and the Wild Horse Preservation League are key contributors to this effort.

Additional Support for Fertility Control

ISF has also awarded a $5,000 grant to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for advancingfertility controlresearch. The HSUS project aims to makefertility controla standard practice for managing wildlife populations, including wild horses and deer, across the U.S.

The PZP vaccine, central to this research, has been proven safe and effective, preventing fertilization in vaccinated animals. The project, in partnership with Purdue University, seeks to enhance the vaccine's efficacy and reduce production costs.

About the Organizations

Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF):Founded by actor and advocate Ian Somerhalder, ISF focuses on environmental and animal protection, promoting green energy, conservation, and anti-cruelty initiatives.

American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign):A coalition dedicated to preserving America's wild horses in free-roaming herds, ensuring their legacy as part of our national heritage.