CALL to Action: Reject U.S. Government Proposal to Shoot Horses
JULY 2008, DARIEN, CONN. — Following the latest obnoxious proposal this month from the U.S. government to kill thousands of horses, the international animal advocacy organization Friends of Animals again calls for a full moratorium on the government-sanctioned round-ups, sales and slaughter of free-living horses.1
The federal Bureau of Land Management set out in helicopters and harassed and chased roughly half the western herd of mustangs — a group numbering 30,000 — into a corral. And now, the officials are proposing to start killing them.
Environmentalists, The New York Times tells us, will go along with this violence because they see the mustangs as “top-of-the-food-chain bullies whose hooves and teeth disturb the habitats of endangered tortoises and desert birds.”2
We at Friends of Animals are also environmentalists. We aren’t calling these horses “icons” or “part of the imagery” of the west. We are calling for respect, and our government should deliver.
If horses are at the top of the so-called food chain, it’s our government’s fault. Where are the carnivore animals? We could put the blame for their absence squarely at the feet of the U.S. government and its predator-control schemes.
Conflict of Interest?
The Bureau of Land Management is charged with protecting wild horses and burros on the western rangelands. Yet it routinely rounds them up and passes them to private ownership. The bureau is poised to shoot several thousand of them (it plans to decide on the matter after a Congressional audit that’s due to be completed in September). To justify this proposal, officials are complaining about expenses. Yet the bureau allows ranchers to enjoy leases to the rangelands for a pittance. Ranchers who claim mustang “overpopulation” degrades the environment. Balderdash.
At the beginning of the 20th century, there were about 2 million mustangs in the wilderness.3 Today, there’s a total of 60,000 (if that many). This community of horses is degrading the environment, but the owners of 3 million cattle are not?
“We must stop supporting the profits of ranches,” said Friends of Animals president Priscilla Feral. “For those who respect free-living animals, it’s simply not enough to express outrage at the proposed shooting of horses. We need to end the cycle of violence. It’s high time we acknowledge the connection between horsemeat and hamburgers.”
Just two years ago, the Bureau of Land Management relaxed the rules and regulations governing ranchers on public land, cutting back on conservation provisions, and allowing ranchers significantly more control. The opposite pressure should be occurring. Ranchers do not merit the support of the government while they siphon land and resources and push free animals to the brink of extinction — and then blame horses for the mess.
Then we have Jay Kirkpatrick, an experimenter who directs the Science and Conservation Center in Billings, Montana, quoted in The New York Times as saying insufficient weight is being given to birth control for horses. But animals in nature don’t need to be controlled by a species that has such difficulty in controlling itself.
For three decades, the Bureau of Land Management has backed costly experiments with contraception as a way to continue aggressive management practices. Jay Kirkpatrick, together with the Humane Society of the United States, have promoted the invasive and disturbing tests of hormones and the immunocontraceptive porcine zona pellucida, or PZP, in free-roaming horses.
Terms like “overabundant” and “overpopulation” are liberally applied wherever free-living animals are deemed inconvenient. The underlying message is that, if not controlled, free-living animals will take over. This both reflects and supports the systematic acceptance of control, and treats all of nature as a zoo.
Recommendations for Action from Friends of Animals:
Go to the root. This is a question of who gets the land: free-living animals, or cattle ranchers. The key step each of us can take in support of horses is to adopt a plant-based diet.
Oppose the BLM’s proposal. If you’ve seen more than enough debates about whether the land can support horses and burros while all along the government supports the real environmental threat — animal agribusiness — tell the BLM now, using the link you see here. Or call the BLM toll-free: 1-800-710-7597. Let them know these mustangs should never have been corralled in the first place. Let the horses go, and let them be. Allow them the dignity of freedom.
Then find your representative in Congress, ring them up at 202.224.3121, and explain that real environmental awareness means questioning the influence of corporate profit-seekers over laws and agencies. Say “no” to horse-killing. And tell them you oppose roundups too.
Support Friends of Animals’ new radio and television announcements. We’re buying 30-second and one-minute announcement spots, asking the public to call the BLM and oppose the horse-killing proposal. You can sustain our public announcement throughout the audit period leading up to the BLM’s decision. Let’s make the most of the window of time these horses have. Invest in our public education effort; donate here.
Thank you for teaching respect for the autonomous animals of our Earth. Thank you for telling our government no to killing horses.
NOTES
[1] We have previously called for a repeal of the (2005) Burns Amendment, which reversed a 34-year prohibition on the slaughter of wild horses by enabling the BLM to sell off horses over 10 years of age.
[2] Felicity Barringer, “On Mustang Range, a Battle on Thinning the Herd” - New York Times (20 Jul. 2008).
[3] Deanne Stillman, “Wild Horses Aren’t Free” - Los Angeles Times (2 Jun. 2008).
Friends of Animals, founded in 1957, advocates for the right of animals to live free according to their own terms.
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94 Comments
On July 24, 2008, Linda Eberwein wrote:
STOP THE SHOOTING THEY ARE GODS CREATURES TO.. THE HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE ….GIVE IT TO THEM.
On July 24, 2008, cecile campos wrote:
If these horses are some kind of problem left free, then allow them to go to horse rescues. Don’t kill them! Horses are extremely intelligent animals.
On July 24, 2008, Eadie Kelly wrote:
Let’s stop this horror. Our country is getting more like China everyday! Soon nothing will be left.
On July 24, 2008, Mary Fields wrote:
Why are cattle allowed on public lands and horses are sent to slaughter for “degrading the environment”? Surely the cows do a lot more damage than the mustangs do. In any case, the land is PUBLIC, which should mean it belongs to whatever naturally lives there. Leave the horses alone. They’re gorgeous intelligent animals who have every right to life as they chose to live it.
On July 24, 2008, TRISTAN wrote:
Humans usually consider themselves to be “at the top of the food chain,” but in reality we are dependent on all the other species living on the planet. Krill, earthworm and bees are ecologically more important than humans. Humans could become extinct ans besides the species we have enslaved(domesticated), we would not be missed ecologically.
Human intelligence is never a criteria for shooting people, eugenics is frowned upon. So it does not matter whether humans consider horses intelligent or not, all non -humans have their very own unique intelligence probably incomprehensible to us.
Whether they are “gods creatures,” remains to be seen, it hasn’t helped non-humans used for their flesh, milk, and eggs.
Maybe they would fare better if they were the Flying Spaghetti Monster’s creatures.
On July 24, 2008, Edna J. Glenn wrote:
Please do not contribute to increasing the threshold of
unnecessary violence towards wildlife by killing thousands
of wild horses to accommodate a glaringly obvious special-interests ranching agenda.
The Bureau of Land Management’s apparent lack of respect for wild, free, autonomous animal populations also becomes obvious with this latest proposed culling; it calls into question your true agency function: If by ‘land management’ the BLM seeks
to turn every acre of wildlife habitat into a sterile
wasteland populated only by wealth-building humans, then it’s time the BLM be investigated and reorganized, or disbanded entirely.
On July 24, 2008, Joyce wrote:
What is going on with this Country of ares?What did the horses do to them that they want to kill them.Pretty soon there won’t be any wild horses.
On July 24, 2008, Richard Shartenberg wrote:
The idea that the U.S. Government is behind the systematic killing of wild horses flies in the face of what they are supposed to be doing with their nature and otherwise species conservation activities. It’s not as if horses, mustangs, etc., are dangerous and predatory critters. Their numbers are far fewer than in the past, anyway, so to reduce their population further is akin to mass murder. They’re not even in the domestic food chain like cattle or poultry and the like. They should not be driven to extinction by the careless decisions and then, acts of the U.S. Government who is there, supposedly to protect them.
On July 24, 2008, Peggy wrote:
We’ve got to start treating living, breathing creatures with the respect with which they were created! These magnificant animals must be protected!!!
On July 24, 2008, LINDA MELBOURNE-VAN DYKE wrote:
IDIOTS — Leave the horses alone!
On July 24, 2008, Sandy Sobanski wrote:
Don’t kill the horses!!! Must be a Republican thing…
On July 24, 2008, Susan Torres wrote:
Leave the horses alone!!! They are strong symbols of American history not to mention intelligent and loving animals!!! We need to respect and save these precious equines rather than forever trying to find ways to kill and torture them..
On July 24, 2008, Margaret McCummins wrote:
Please rethink the slaughter of these beautiful animals! What in the world are you thinking …. better to direct your energies toward world problems!
On July 24, 2008, Janice Witkowski wrote:
Why is shooting the only alternative for these horses?
On July 24, 2008, Lisa LaBranche-Rothwell wrote:
Please stop shooting wild horses
On July 24, 2008, Elyse Z wrote:
Horses helped build our country. Please show them the respect they deserve. It would be a travesty to kill them. Please consider sending them to Horse Sanctuaries
On July 24, 2008, Jennifer L wrote:
This is absolutely appalling. Will we stop at nothing in pursuit of the almighty dollar? Is nothing sacred, not even national symbols? Gandhi said “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. Judging by this story, I would have to conclude that our nation’s great light is failing.
On July 24, 2008, Karen Payne wrote:
The BLM needs to just be banished, KILLED OFF, SHOT DEAD - right along with the cattle and the ranchers who exploit our “PUBLIC” lands. The BLM wants donations? Why should any of the good citizens (most of us getting poorer by the minute) of this anymore “sick country” called the USA, send the BLM donations to try to help the horses and burros that the BLM is supposed to be protecting in the first place and now needs to KILL them? If the BLM gets more funding they will just buy more fuel (at an outrageous price) for helicopter roundups, and then they’ll spend more of our donations on bullets! The BLM, Congress, and the Ranchers need to GO AWAY, not the wild horses and burros.
On July 24, 2008, Corinne Joly wrote:
I think that the slaughter of wild horses is absolutely horrible. I hope that our legislators will stand up for the horses and do something to prevent their slaughter.
On July 24, 2008, Norma Lennon Wiggins wrote:
North America has a wonderful heritage of wildness. If we don’t start thinking creatively about saving this beauty, it will be gone forever. How about setting aside separate lands for wild horses where they will not be harrassed and slaughtered by ranchers, government agents and horse meat brokers? How about seeking the support, advice and active involvement of our native peoples? They have volunteered to adopt endangered Yellowstone bison, and perhaps they will adopt endangered wild horses as well, either on their own lands or on separate lands dedicated to the survival of wild horses.
On July 24, 2008, Atia J wrote:
Ranchers pay pennies per acre, using public land for grazing their cattle for personal gain; this must stop! Yet, wild horses on public land cannot be tolerated so they must be murdered - is there something very basically wrong with this picture? How can the public allow this - is everyone so apathetic that they pretend not to know of these proposed atrocities by remaining silent?
On July 24, 2008, Joyce Hubler wrote:
Why can’t human beings just leave things alone?!?! We need to respect all walks of life not ruin it. Karma will come back to haunt these people eventually!!!!!!!!! I don’t understand why humans always have to act like they are so superior.
On July 24, 2008, gloria wrote:
HOW DIGUSTING!!! I CAN’T EVEN PHATHOM THE REASONS BESIDES MAKING ROOM FOR MORE ROADS OR GIANT HOMES THAT FALL TO FORECLOSER!!!
On July 24, 2008, Robin Roraback wrote:
Why not have some kind of sterilization policy, gelding the males, instead of killing them when there are too many? Would something like that be possible? I grew up around horses and know them to be intelligent and very sensitive creatures. This round up and slaughter must be terrifying for them. It makes me feel sick.
FoA comments:
The issue here is not too many horses, but the raising of cattle for human consumption. The immediate solution is to stop the grazing of cattle on government land.
On July 24, 2008, Deb wrote:
These are such beautiful animals! how dare they? they are treating them the same way as the american indians were killed for there land makes me so mad!! this must be stopped i signed every petition against this!
On July 24, 2008, Linda wrote:
Thank you for sending this out. I have written my state rep and the BLM and sent your email to many others asking them to do the same. Without organizations such as yours, I doubt many of us would be aware of such atrocities. Thanks again.
On July 24, 2008, courtney wrote:
LEAVE THE HORSES ALONE! There are plenty of alternatives than shooting horses. Please a more humane alternative for these innocent horses.
FoA comments:
Letting the horses run free and ending the grazing of cattle on public lands is the moral alternative.
On July 24, 2008, Julie wrote:
I have never known an administration so against the preservation of habitat and wildlife. This is just another notch in our governments belt for destroying what little is left of this country’s wildlife. Way to go Washington and your ignorance for all that is sacred and should be preserved in this country!!
On July 24, 2008, linda wrote:
What gives the government the right to destroy such beautiful animals? It’s not like we have run out of land in America to place them somewhere else. Have they been offered to anyone who might want to take them in and care for them? I think the government should be more concerned with protecting such beautiful animals instead of killing them! Take some money from the crooked politicians pockets,feed and care for them, they are God’s creatures, and a symbol of freedom and American beauty.
On July 24, 2008, Annette Schiffer wrote:
To kill, maim or torture ANY animal is WRONG. Unless an animal is sick and must be euthanized, we need to protect ALL of God’s creatures with the same vigor that we use to protect humans. Animals are God’s gift and to treat them as if they are our property to do with as we please is just plain WRONG. All animal cruelty must end!!!!!!
On July 24, 2008, Gloria wrote:
I thought this is AMERICA Land of the Free. Leave these Horses where here long before us, so Please just mind you’re own business, stay in Washington and work for THE PEOPLE, and LEAVE the HORSES and other animals alone. Tell the Ranchers to buy the land and then complain. I for one am tired of People picking on the animals, they bother no one.
On July 24, 2008, R. Zierikzee wrote:
America has become the most anti-Life nation in the history of the world. Corporate America is one giant killing machine. Profit is the ONLY thing that matters. Do they see that if they kill all Life, there will be no more profit?
On July 24, 2008, sherry weiland wrote:
If the funds aren’t available to take care of these animals, the best thing to do is to leave them be. It is not our right to decide that killing them is a better alternative.
On July 24, 2008, Diana vonHoldt wrote:
Do not kill these magnificent animals. They belong to all citizens of this country and not just an elite few who think they have the right to decide the fate of these horses. These people are shamefully egocentric not caring about anything except themselves. Have the moral fiber to do what is right to protect these anidmals.
On July 25, 2008, susan goldin wrote:
Why are wild horses a threat to anyone? Are they bothering the public land leased to ranchers to graze their livestock? Some sort of private interest is involved in removing wild horses from open land….land which the citizens of the country own…government merely holds it in trust and maintains it for everyone. Removing wild animals from our land is a violation…and a horrendous undertaking. Stop it.
On July 25, 2008, gigi wrote:
BLM: it is an abomination to shoot these magnificent free-spirited wild horses; leave them alone. It is the human being in the first place that has been and continues to cause the destruction of this planet we call earth. NO animal deserves to be killed for selfish human reasons, whether it is for food, animal testing or whatever; ALL animals were meant to live independently on their own terms, not ours. Do NOT mess with Mother Nature. THINK before you act. As stated, this is truly an obnoxious proposal. DON’T DO IT!
On July 25, 2008, nicole criscione wrote:
Why can’t we put them to use? With polution the way it is isn’t it better to put police on horses in city parks. There has got to be a better way. Wild horses are beatiful and should be left alone.
FoA comments:
Yes, the horses should be left alone — that is the better way — using them in anyway (putting police on their backs) is not.
On July 25, 2008, Kathrina Gafycz wrote:
These horses have the right to live freely just like any other creature; apparently, we only believe that when it comes to human life. These creatures are not ours to use and manipulate, let them live as they were meant to.
On July 25, 2008, Rev. Regina-Sophia Siegel wrote:
We absolutely need to protect the wild horse herds of this country. Just like the wolf, the eagle and all the other wildlife. They are all precious and our childrens children still need to be able to see them and take care of them all.
On July 25, 2008, deb lilly wrote:
I bought two beautiful horses from the BLM. One was four and the other was just a young colt. These horses are beautiful. I own two other horses. I love my mustangs. My life long dream is to go west and see the wild horses run free. They have a wonderful spirit. Please do not shoot horses.
On July 25, 2008, dave wrote:
it amazes me that people are able to come up with such stupid ideas and people actually consider them as intellegent ideas that help a community,. heard up and kill horses, slaughter wolfs.i bet non of these idiots even have jobs or the education to get a job, they have to much time on there hands and they just like anoying the rest of us, how come i dont see them issuing permits to cut down on the idiot population. i would even be happy to see a spray and nueter program to cut down on the idiot population.heres an idea, if you dont like the horses or wolfs and what they do as a natural way of life, MOVE, AND STOP COMING UP WITH STUPID IDEAS TO CONTROL THEM.the rest of us are tired of trying to explain right from wrong to these brain dead idiots.i seen rocks with a larger IQ.the majority wants these animals left alone, mayby thats why we win all the court cases.so if you cant get with the program, like i said MOVE and stop being a thorn in everybodys butt.
On July 25, 2008, kaye wrote:
Why is it that some people think nothing of shooting animals cause they are supposedly in the way. I believe God put them here for a purpose, they have a right to live. We take all their lands and then get mad when the animal comes into our so called territory. Ever think they have nowhere to go no food to eat? Can’t they see the beauty of these horses, they are free so leave them alone.
On July 25, 2008, Tawnya Shields wrote:
This is just wrong.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
~Mahatma Ghandi
Need I say more?
On July 25, 2008, Suzan wrote:
Why do some people righteously think that they are the only beings entitled to live on this earth? I can’t fathom why people harbor the thought that all other creatures are imposing on “our” space. Why is it “ours”? Because we’re bigger, stronger, more powerful? That is the coward’s way and so very sad for all involved. Very, very sad.
On July 25, 2008, Eric K. wrote:
I am ashamed of the Bush administration. They spend $800 billion of our money in Iraq and cannot spare some for our own country and animals.
Thank you.
On July 25, 2008, bonnie Dent wrote:
Horses are being trreated better than the indians arre being treated. Horses are our history without their help we would not come has far has we have! Horses have a good mind and there are different ways to help them not kill them! Explore the other ways to help them! I have read the comments and there are alot of great suggestions - do not kill them just because it is easier - Horses are a living thing - treat them right!
[Blog editors’ note: Leaving horses on public lands is the answer.]
On July 25, 2008, Vasudev wrote:
Horses eat, sleep, mate and defend just like we do. The difference is that we do all these things in sophisticated ways but the basic acts are the same. There is a requital for any form of violence on living creatures, it may not be immediate. Every action has its reaction. This is the principle of requital epistemology which more than a few people are not cognizant of. Shall we go on to create problems that will require our resources to address or shall we be proactive? The ball is in our court. Culling of horses is not the best option.
On July 26, 2008, Donald Garlit wrote:
There is no purpose to killing these horses.
On July 27, 2008, mary wrote:
This is so sick! These horses have every right to live just as we do.
On July 27, 2008, karen johnson wrote:
After viewing the “pro slaughter” video I am amazed at the number of women who own or run stables and view horses as commodities. I guess I assumed if you worked with animals in a riding facility you wouldn’t see them in such a negative light. I also expect so much more from women. I guess I am wrong.
On July 27, 2008, Cory Moshman wrote:
Please just let the horses go free since shooting them is only in the interests of the ranchers, not the animals. Why can’t the government leave anything alone?
On July 27, 2008, Michelle wrote:
Everyday I am more disgusted with out government. why on earth would you kill these innocent victims. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
On July 27, 2008, Laurie wrote:
About 23 yrs ago, I lived in Wyoming on a street that was basically brand new. The houses were about 1/4 mile apart. One morning, around 4:00am, I couldn’t sleep and sat by the window waiting for the sun to rise. I saw the most beautiful thing…..wild horses running by. It took my breathe away. I used to set my alarm daily, so I could see this wonderful site. When I moved back to CT, a few months later, I knew I would never see anything like that again. Unfortunately, I guess that I’m right.
I just can’t understand, why we as humans, just can’t let animals be. We are truly the problem! We are in control, but constantly abuse it. We are the prime reason why the environment is the way it is, as well as all animals are in danger of extinction. When will it all stop? I feel that we are few who respect and love animals and nature, in comparison to most people in general. I feel helpless (when it comes to helping these creatures, and all animals actually)because we are outnumbered. Most people don’t really care if the horses die. They are too worried about themselves. And most people simply don’t have all of the facts. I’d like to know other ways that I can help. Any suggestions are welcome
Blog editors’ note: The blog item gives contact information for the BLM, so please register you protest. Also, Friends of Animals’ TV and radio spots start airing today and run the next two weeks. Offering a donation toward this campaign would be much appreciated.]
On July 27, 2008, Songbird wrote:
How can you take something thats not yours and sell it for food and greed like the wild mustangs. These horses belong to no one!!! So where does anybody get off on going in and taking them and selling them to Mexico and Canada, This should be against the law, Why would it not be? I don’t own the land or you no one, so how can they have a right to them? huuummmm!!! thats a good question to ask hua? Leave them alone stop shipping and slaughtering them
On July 28, 2008, Donna wrote:
It is truly a travesty to learn that they are planning this horrible act!!!! God put these beautiful creatures here for us to admire & enjoy! These horses deserve to be protected….not rounded up & destroyed!!!!! Let’s leave them free…..they are too beautiful to let them kill them!!!!
On July 28, 2008, Gayle Racite (Rah-Cee-Tee) wrote:
By the Grace of God, I have a dial-up connection and cannot view the horrors of the YouTube Video, nor would I want to. It is not necessary for me to view such a horrible film, as I am sure that it is gastly!
What can be done in this world to stop the slaughter of these beautiful and majestic animals?
[Blog editors’ note: The video does not show horses being slaughtered. It’s the television spot airing for the next two weeks to press the BLM to halt the removal of horses from public lands, and the killing of these free-living animals. Contributions to FoA’s campaign are needed and appreciated. ]
On July 28, 2008, Sharon mullane wrote:
I am an animal advocate. I am an environmental advocate. The wild mustangs belong on the land of their ancestors. It is the cattle rancher-agribusiness that has taken precedence over their right to their land. The BLM, our government has wrongly allowed this to happen. They must be returned to their lands. The root cause of this situation is consumption of meat. In many ways this consumption has created huge environmental problems for the whole country.
On July 28, 2008, Kathleen D. Kanatsky wrote:
There are people don’t care about anything but money and themselves. They take the land and condenm who ever or what ever was there first.
On July 28, 2008, Joyce, Wisconsin wrote:
I am absolutely outraged at the disrespect man has for our environment and animals. Slaughtering these beautiful horses is another disgusting example of animal abuse. God has provided us this world and it sickens me how some humans continue to abuse animals. How we care for the world and everything in it is a reflection on how we respect God and what he has provided for us. Animals are valuable and should be cared for like we do………..the difference is they lack a voice for themselves. It is our responsibility to properly care for them with love and compassion.
On July 28, 2008, Valerie wrote:
I just can’t understand, why we as humans, just can’t let animals be. We are truly the problem! We are the prime reason why the environment is the way it is, as well as all animals are in danger of extinction. When will it all stop? I feel that we are few who respect and love animals and nature we need to educate people who don’t know better. I feel we can help all animals even though we are outnumbered. Education is the key as well as modeling respect for the environment. Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.
On July 28, 2008, Louis & Lita Moffa wrote:
The Bureau of Land Management will be committing a heinous and outrageous crime if the slaughter of wild mustangs is permitted. These magnificent creatures were here before we were and may be necessary for the balance of nature. They should be returned to the public land that they were removed from. It appears lately the most valuable and decent qualities that made up America are quickly disappearing. Has our government sold us out? Is our country becomming the “Wal-mart” of the globe? Are we without conscious?
On July 28, 2008, NINA wrote:
The government wants to manage the number of wild horses & destroy the ones in the holding pens. No one ever wants to discuss the human over population in this country. That’s what really needs to be “managed” As the human population increases, the demand for meat will increase, more cattle will take up more public land and other land will be developed for more housing for more people and more land will shrink for the animals and wildlife that really belong on the land to live just as people want to. All the carnivores were “Managed” right out of existence and the horse population kept rising. Why is it right for science to be finding ways to make people live to be 150 years of age, when there is a problem of not enough space for wild horses. These old people will be eating a lot of pureed beef. That’s right again. Still more cattle and the remaining horses lose again. The sixth greatest extinction of animals in the existance of the planet and it’s the people who are doing it and will continue to do it. Where is the natural balance? Boild down to greed.
On July 28, 2008, NINA wrote:
The government wants to manage the number of wild horses & destroy the ones in the holding pens. No one ever wants to discuss the human over population in this country. That’s what really needs to be “managed” As the human population increases, the demand for meat will increase, more cattle will take up more public land and other land will be developed for more housing for more people and more land will shrink for the animals and wildlife that really belong on the land to live just as people want to. All the carnivores were “Managed” right out of existence and the horse population kept rising. Why is it right for science to be finding ways to make people live to be 150 years of age, when there is a problem of not enough space for wild horses. These old people will be eating a lot of pureed beef. That’s right again. Still more cattle and the remaining horses lose again. The sixth greatest extinction of animals in the existance of the planet and it’s the people who are doing it and will continue to do it. Where is the natural balance? Boild down to greed.
On July 28, 2008, Lynn wrote:
I strongly oppose killing any wild animals. These horses have been around forever, and deserve their place in the world!
On July 28, 2008, John D wrote:
We have adopted a number of wild mustangs - broke them and trained them to be fabulous riding animals - they are extremely intelligent and they give you their heart as well as their mind. It’s no wonder under the Bush administration the BLM has been ordered to round up these beautiful wild animals and slaughter them - Bush is only capable of looking at all living things as one dimensional. Unfortunately we live in a “corporate state” today and the cattlemen and their associations are right up there with the oil companies, pharmaceuticals, etc. FREE THE MUSTANGS!!!
[Blog editors’ note: Ending round-ups and
keeping horses free on public lands is the message all should deliver to the BLM, please. ]
On July 29, 2008, Jared Brenner wrote:
We cannot kill these wonderful sentient beings just because they are “inconvenient”. Another solution must be found.
On July 29, 2008, Susan Rilliet wrote:
It is a sin to kill these beautiful animals — surely there is another solution.
On July 30, 2008, robin Tennant wrote:
AS we treat these animals that is how our country and it’s future will be. To Kill them will insure the Downfall of the United States. The horses were here WAY BEFORE the White People Arrived. The way of life of these last remaining horses is the Balance of the remaining Good the Land has. This is truth of the Native peoples. I pray there is something which could change this situation.
On July 30, 2008, Sharlee Moore wrote:
I object to the killing of these horses.
Why can’t there be another way to deal with this?
On July 30, 2008, Sylvester Mitchell wrote:
Is anything worth preserving in this country? Anything goes for a dollar. I strongly object to this act of killing horses in their natural habitat. We move in on their territory, their domain, and call them intruders. We are a destructive people. Nothing is safe or sacred it would seem.
On July 31, 2008, susan burke wrote:
I strongly object to the act of killing the wild mustangs. Is that all this country can do is kill and destroy? Wake up America.
On August 1, 2008, Lenore Roiz wrote:
What an outrage! Killing wild mustangs so that the cattle lobby can confiscate even more of the environment and build an even bigger profit. We have become a nation without laws, decency or even a soul!
On August 2, 2008, Lisa wrote:
I object to killing of these horses
On August 2, 2008, Erin Russell wrote:
Just when we think you have pulled your heads out you turn around and stuff them right back up there! Get the cattle off of the horses land! This land is designated for the horses yet they are the ones being “kicked” off of it so the the big fat $$$ beef industry can go in there. Turn those horses loose and get those cattle off of their land and quit trying to eliminate the competition.
On August 3, 2008, Nylene Schoellhorn wrote:
Thank you for this accurate article.
Overpoulation of our wild horses is NOT the problem. Roundups, adoptions, sanctuaries and Birth control are NOT the solutions.
The problem is the corrupt BLM is in bed with the Cattle Ranching Industry. Here in Nevada, there are few small family owned ranches left. Most cattle ranches are owned by rich stockholders back east who have never even seen a cow.
(Paris Hilton’s family is one example)
The problem is ALL our wild animals are being wiped out-every year the BLM kills coytoes, wolves and cougars-as a favor to the Cattle Ranchers. These are the natural predators the wild horses need.
BOYCOTT BEEF-it is what is killing our public lands and wild horses. Let the 30,00 roundedup wild horses now in holding pens go free. Round up the cows instead!
On August 3, 2008, Thomas J. Classen wrote:
Put these 30,000+ horses back on the range from where they came. Get the damn cows off the range. They do more damage than the horses. BLM is charged with the safety of all animals on government [land], not to manage them. They are all part of nature and need no management. The range belongs to them not the ranchers. I could care less about the ranchers.
On August 4, 2008, Terry Gates wrote:
Placating Rancher by killing 30,000 beautiful Horses is sick and outrageous! This action if carried out will be looked upon by the civilized as a National disgrace!
On August 4, 2008, JJ Kennedy wrote:
We’ve had enough of this fascist (corporate) society. Where’s the (corporate) beef?… it’s taking the land away from the horses just like we took it away from the Native Americans. Why? corporate profit at any cost to the people and the environment. Corporate America listen, we will take our nation back in November, and hopefully never be so naive as to be fooled into allowing any Republican into the Executive branch of our Constitutional government.
On August 4, 2008, dennis sandberg wrote:
Who pays for these horses to be rounded up. I,ll bet the tax payers do. The ex senitors that the meat industry use as lobbyest and pay money to I,ll bet is also enormous like guys like good old boy Trent Lot.these people are greedy men that have no though of anything but where the next dollar is comming from their all alike, and should be run out of washington DC. Did you know that the goverment land in the black hills has cattle on it and the meat from these steers is served in the goverment cafeterias in washington DC. and also on the tables of these politicions at no cost to them. Why are we supporting these private cattle ranchers with our tax dollars? It,s because they give large amounts of money to the republicion party.How much longer are we Americans going to sit back and let these people rape this beautiful country of ours. Take a look at one of these cattle feed lots and you,ll never want to eat meat again.
On August 4, 2008, Ray Paquette wrote:
Stop eating cattle and leave the land to the horses.
On August 4, 2008, Jeffery Biss wrote:
It sounds to me like the ranchers are the problem. The better solution is to charge the ranchers fair market value for using our land, sterilize the horses to prevent overcrowding, and for people to become vegetarians for the benefit of the potential victims - both the horses and cattle are victims here. Because meat is in no way required for human health, there is no reason to subsidize the meat business. How “right-to-life” are we when we create life to destroy it?
FoA comments:
Once a natural environment is restored for the horses, there is no need to either kill or sterilize the horses. Stop eating meat is the solution.
On August 4, 2008, K. Simmons wrote:
When is this madness going to stop? Why do government agencies get away with this? The land does not belong to the cattlemen. The land should be left for the wild horses. I get more and more mail asking for donations from horse organizations because of this problem. I am a vegetarian. To kill horses and send their bodies overseas for human consumption is sick. Then again, this world and many people in it are sick. I agree with Ray when he says stop eating cattle and leave the land to the horses.
On August 6, 2008, Kimberly Harris wrote:
I just heard your ad on the radio. I am going to send a donation right now to help you continue running the ads. Thank you, thank you for getting the word out.
On August 6, 2008, Mark Scott wrote:
Anyone know who we can call or email to get this to stop?
On August 6, 2008, Kay Lightner wrote:
It is about the cattle and the ranchers and the money they make, which is greatly increased by grazing their cattle on “public lands” at a lease rate that is a pittance of the normal going rate. There is a long history of decimation of wildlife (American bison) and native peoples that have been greatly influenced, and still is, by the cattle industry. Not only does the eating of meat contain health risks, but it contributes to the killing of our wildlife, horses and burros, destruction of lands and streams.
Also, there is much hunger in the world. If the grain, etc. fed to “food animals” was fed directly to people, rather than indirectly through the animals we eat, MANY more people could be fed. There are some statistics that project hunger would be nonexistent. Once again, we in this country of plenty appear very selfish to indulge our diets in meat that is not necessary for our healthy survival when so many are starving or suffering malnutrition.
We need to take back our “public lands” and insist this horrible cruelty and injustice STOP.
On August 6, 2008, Maria Sharpton wrote:
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ~Mahatma Ghandi
Our nation is failing!
On August 7, 2008, Tara Howard wrote:
This can not be allowed to happen. As a nation we have long mismanaged our wild horse population but this is the worst possible “solution.”
Anyone who has ever spent a few moments getting to know a horse knows there is a living, breathing, feeling creature in there that should not be terrorized and murdered in this cold heartless way.
On August 7, 2008, Jasmin wrote:
Everything on this earth exist for a reason. When one piece of this earth is ceased all the other pieces will crumble. If horses continue to be killed there will eventually be none left, and once the horses are gone man will target a new prey and continue the process until everything on earth is gone including us.
On August 7, 2008, Joe Towers wrote:
The easiest and simplest solution to men’s problems throughout history has been to kill whatever stands in the way. I like to believe we have evolved beyond these selfish methods of dealing with our wild life in these United States of America.
On August 8, 2008, JLG wrote:
I can only quote this: “In the end, we will protect and conserve only that which we love, we will love only that which we understand and we will understand only that which we are taught”. America needs to wake up and realize that nothing we do is without cause and effect, no stone thrown in the pond is without the rippling side effects. How long is the road we must travel upon, before we realize it is far too late to fix all of the things that we (as a supposedly superior species)have broken due to our greed, stupidity, and downright apathy?
On August 8, 2008, Dorothy wrote:
This is my country, I was born here and so where those mustangs in question about to be destroyed , why because they are there. Some say they are not native to this country, well are you? Where did your ancesters come from? Where they among those forced to come here or did they come here on their own?
Well now there are too many people, they lack jobs, shelter because they can’t afford to purchase a home. Many are homeless living on the streets, in wooded areas, cardboard boxes….what’s the answer to them? Shoot them.
Same thing isn’t it? Why not? Because man can reason and an animal can’t? Seems to be that this greatest counrty is failing not only the wildlife, but man as well.
The answer in not mass slaughter, cattle and horses can live together there is enough room. Where does it all end, bison, wolf, whale, polar bear, seals, deer,owls, eagle American Indian. It’s disgusting, but the goverenment goes home each night to a nice dinner and a warm bed…..and a bigger pocket book.
On August 8, 2008, Louise wrote:
Wild horses are the very essense of the freedom of the American spirit. And they deserve to remain free. Natural predation (by reintroducing more wolves, cougars, etc.) as well as the natural cycle of available vegetation would keep their population in balance. Humans are out of balance with nature and are only concerned about large grazing areas for cattle. DO NOT SHOOT these horses and DO NOT put them up for so-called adoption. They belong free and wild forever!
On August 8, 2008, Carly wrote:
Animals have feelings both physical and emotional. Why is that SO HARD for so many people to understand??? I stopped eating meat the second I found out how badly animals raised for food are treated. The more I find out the worse it gets. The fur industry… Most graphic thing I have EVER heard of happens at these places! Animals raised for food… SO SAD! The workers are taught to treat the pigs, turkeys, chickens, etc as objects not living creatures. That is just HORRIBLE
Illogical, right? Well.. SO IS KILLING THE HORSES!!!
On August 16, 2008, Kelly wrote:
People need to stop pretending animals don’t have feelings already!