The Best and Worst of 2019 for Wild Horses

2019 was a year of significant developments for wild horses in the United States. While there were legislative victories that protected these majestic animals, challenges also arose from federal policies and industry groups. This article explores the best and worst moments of 2019 for wild horses and burros, and what lies ahead in 2020.

The Best

1. Congress Prohibits Forest Service from Selling Wild Horses for Slaughter

Outrage over the U.S. Forest Service's plan to sell wild horses from the Modoc National Forest led to a ban on such sales. This decision was supported by political leaders and resulted inCongressadding a wild horse slaughter ban to the Fiscal Year 2020 spending legislation.Read more here.

2. California Passes Bill to Protect Horses from Slaughter

California strengthened its laws against horse slaughter with AB 128, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. This legislation aims to better enforce the state's anti-horse slaughter law.Read more here.

3. Nevada Reinstates Fertility Control Program

Nevada reinstated a successful fertility control program for the Virginia Range mustang herd, making it the largest of its kind globally.Read more here.

4. Trump Administration Removes Lethal Management from Consideration

The Trump Administration pledged to avoid lethal management of wild horses, recognizing public opposition to such measures.Read more here.

5. Congressional Efforts to Limit Funding for Harmful Plans

Congressional leaders, led by Chairman Raul Grijalva, sought to limit funding for plans that could harm wild horse populations.Read more hereandhere.

6. Congress Members Advocate for Wild Horses

NumerousCongressmembers, including Rep. Grijalva and others, advocated against the abuse and slaughter of wild horses.Read more here.

The Worst

1. Collusion on Mass Mustang Removal Plan

Animal welfare groups and the livestock industry supported a plan to remove 130,000 wild horses, raising concerns about potential lethal management.Read more hereandhere.

2. BLM Director Scapegoats Wild Horses

BLMDirector William Perry Pendley faced criticism for blaming wild horses for public land issues, despite their minimal presence on these lands.Read more here.

3. BLM Adoption and Sale Program Raises Concerns

TheBLM's new adoption incentives raised concerns about the welfare of adopted horses, with reports of increased relinquishments.Read more here.

4. Increase in Wild Horses Ending Up in Kill Pens

There was a notable increase in wild horses appearing in kill pens, raising concerns aboutBLM's sales practices.Read more here.

5. BLM Roundup Abuses

BLMroundupsin 2019 led to the loss of freedom for many wild horses, with reports of inhumane treatment during these operations.Read more hereandhere.

6. BLM Fails to Use Humane Management Tools

Despite the availability of humane fertility control methods, theBLMcontinued to rely onroundups, neglecting more humane alternatives.Read more here.

What’s on Deck for America’s Wild Horses in 2020?

The New Year promises challenges, including acceleratedroundupsand potential legal changes. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) remains committed to protecting wild horses and burros on public lands.