Changes To Law Allow Wild Horses & Burros To Be Slaughtered

Recent changes to the "Free Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act" allow the slaughter of wild horses and burros. Ironically, this act was passed back in 1971 to protect wild equines from slaughter. If enough people voice concern, the amendment could be repealed.

Contact Senator Reid (202) 224-3542,
Senator Ensign (202) 224-6244,
Rep. Gibbons (202) 225-6155,
andPresident Bush (202) 456-1111.

The new bill, allowing the slaughter of wild equines, is actually supported by the Nevada Cattlemen's Association (website: http://www.nevadacattlemen.org/ Phone: 775-738-9214). Cattle ranchers compete with wild horses for grazing land, and it is in their interest to remove equine competition for their cattle. About the new bill -- "We're real excited about that," said Preston Wright of Deeth, president of the Nevada Cattlemen's Association. See the article NV Cattlemen Support Measure To Slaughter Wild Horses.

Wild horses endangered by changes in the law
Excerpts from http://www.recordcourier.com/article/20041212/Community/112120002

Montana's Senator Burns added a provision to the Omnibus Appropriations Bill and it was signed into law last Monday. The Bill mandates the Bureau of Land Management to sell at livestock auctions any wild horse over 10 years old, horses that have been put up for adoption three times, and any number of horses necessary to reach the BLM's "appropriate management levels."

Ironically, just last month the Senate passed a resolution about horses.

Included in the language of this resolution are these words: "Whereas horses are a vital part of the collective experience of the United States and deserve protection and compassion; Whereas, because of increasing pressure from modern society, wild and domestic horses rely on humans for adequate food, water and shelter.

Resolved that the Senate designates Dec. 13 as National Day of the Horse in recognition of the importance of horses to the security, economy, recreation and heritage of the United States."

If enough citizens contact their representatives, this amendment can be repealed.

See full article: http://www.recordcourier.com/article/20041212/Community/112120002