The BLM Should Not Be in Charge of Wild Horses

Concerning the Bighorn Basin horses bound for slaughter in Canada, there seems to be a misconception that the 37 horses purchased by Bovary Exports have already been slaughtered. Not so. They are in a holding facility in Shelby for 30 days, but the clock is ticking. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) has hired an environmental attorney to assess the situation to see if any laws were violated by the agencies involved and to negotiate with the killer buyer about potential release to horse rescues.

Technically, theBLMhad the legal right to seek removal of these horses as non-permitted, unbranded strays. That said, the CodyBLMand the WyomingLivestockBoard knew full well (or should have) that horse rescue groups have been ready, willing, and able to take horses in this situation. Advertising in two small local Bighorn County newspapers that these horses would be gathered and could be claimed by their owners is certainly inadequate public notice.

I find it hard to fathom that the WyomingLivestockBoard's brand inspector did not realize that horses offered for sale at the WorlandLivestockAuction would be picked up by predatory killer buyers.

TheBLMshould be removed from the national Wild Horse and Burro Program — period. Traditional horse haters should not be in charge of wild horses. We need another plan and a new agency, but only Congress can make that change.

Patricia M. Fazio, statewide coordinator Wyoming Wild Horse Coalition

Cody, Wyo.

Originally Posted By Reno Gazette Journal