Commentary: We have been asked several times why are we seeing this year as the one where “the end of wild horses as we know them” is not simply another same old same old. Over the last 3 years we have been writing about the building blocks of a resource grab, that includes wild horses. It has been very difficult to break through the media’s need for “clicks” as they use the fictional headlines and ignore the depth (ie: claims of accelerated removals when, in truth, they were at the lowest rates since the late 70’s because those got the headlines). If you need a sign that we have at least a clue of what we are talking about, this is it.

For those of you that want more depth of understanding we are offering a webinar this weekend. Information at the bottom of the page in this link: https://wildhorseeducation.org/2017/02/26/the-threats-have-new-meaning/

If this quote does not give you chills, you do not know enough about politics. “I could not be more thrilled that Donald Trump selected him,” said Representative Jason Chaffetz, Republican of Utah, who has tried to transfer millions of acres of public lands out of federal control. New York Times

PRESS RELEASE:

Zinke Confirmation a Bad Sign For Environment and Wild Horses

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed President’s pick to head the Interior Department as the White House seeks to increase fossil fuel production on federal lands.

Ryan Zinke, a U.S. Representative from coal-producing Montana, won confirmation by a vote of 68 to 31, with several Democrats joining Republicans, who lead the chamber.

On February 6th 170 environmental organizations sent a joint letter asking the Senate to reject this nomination. The letter, spearheaded by the Center for Biological Diversity read: “In the two short years he has been in Congress, Rep. Zinke has earned a three percent lifetime rating from the League of Conservation Voters, reflecting a consistent voting record against protecting America’s public lands, waters and endangered species 97 percent of the time. Rep. Zinke has prioritized the narrow, short-term interests of corporate and extractive industries, championing dirty fossil fuel development on public lands while supporting significantly reduced environmental review of and public involvement in decisions about this development. Based on this record, we ask that you oppose his nomination.”

For wild horses the appointment of Zinke is ominous. In 2009 he carried a bill in the Montana Senate to reopen horse slaughter plants. Zinke has repeatedly stated his opinion that horses are “simply livestock.”

“Wild horses on public land are essentially a protected heritage species; a resource on, and not a use of, our public land.” stated Laura Leigh, President of Wild Horse Education, “I hope that Zinke will be able to distinguish between his personal opinion and the laws that protect our wild ones. My fear is that he will cater to the profit driven interests that have always resented federal protection of wild horses and want “mustanging” back. Slaughtering our wild horses for profit driven enterprise will not be tolerated by the vast majority of Americans.”

Mustanging was the practice of removing wild horses from the range and shipping them off to be ground up for chicken feed, fertilizer and dog food. In 1971 Congress unanimously passed the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act granting the federal government jurisdiction to stop the practice and manage wild horses on our public land.

“The Act has been resented since it was passed,” Leigh continued, “The livestock industry has resented federal control of any resource and has made moves to slaughter our wild horses every opportunity they get. Pressure from these same entities has interfered with federal management and is in part responsible for the mess the program is in. This accelerates year after year as federal managers cave to the pressure.”

The largest fertility control program in the nation, Fish Creek in Nevada, is still on hold due to pressure, litigation and interference from counties and the livestock industry.

Politics have ruled the reality of our western ranges, not the reality of the range ruling responsible management.

To help support the work of WHE JOIN the webinar, read and become an educated advocate.