The American Equine Protection Act of 2010

In passing the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, the 92nd Congress Declared: That wild free-roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West; that they contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people;

In 2004,the 108th Congress recognized the first official National Day of the Horse. The text of the resolution states:

Encouraging citizens to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States and expressing the sense of Congress that a National Day of the Horse should be established.

Whereas the horse is a living link to the history of the United States;

Whereas, without horses, the economy, history, and character of the United States would be profoundly different;

Whereas horses continue to permeate the society of the United States, as witnessed on movie screens, on open land, and in our own backyards;

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; and

Whereas the Congressional Horse Caucus estimates that the horse industry contributes well over $100,000,000,000 each year to the economy of the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress--

(1) encourages all citizens to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States;

(2) expresses its sense that a National Day of the Horse should be established in recognition of the importance of horses to the Nation's security, economy, recreation, and heritage; and

(3) urges the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States and interested organizations to observe National Day of the Horse with appropriate programs and activities.

On the fifth anniversary of the first official National Day of the Horse, horse enthusiasts are encouraged to celebrate the horse's contribution to the United States.

Why Should We Celebrate and Protect Our American Equines?

The people of the United States need to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, heritage, society, and character of the United States from the beginning starting with the Native Americans.

There are 9.2 million horses in the United States.
4.6 million Americans are involved in the industry as horse owners, service providers, employees and volunteers.
2 million people own horses.
The horse industry has a direct economic effect on the U.S.of $39 billion annually.
The industry has a $102 billion impact on the U.S.economy when the multiplier effect of spending by industry suppliers and employees is taken into account.
The industry directly provides 460,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.

Currently the horse industry has more than a $ 102,000,000,000* ( 102 billion) impact on the U.S. economy when the multiplier effect of spending by industry suppliers and employees is taken into account. Including off-site spending of spectators would result in an even much higher figure.

Currently the horse industry has a direct economic effect on the U.S. of more than $ 39, 000,000,000* ( 39 billion) annually.

Currently more than 4,600,000* ( 4.6 million) Americans are involved in the industry as horse owners, service providers, employees and volunteers. Tens of millions more participate as spectators.

The Horse industry pays 1, 900,000,000* ( 1.9 billion) in taxes to all levels of government.

Forty-five states have at least 20,000 horses each*.

There are 9,200,000* ( 9.2 million) horses in the United States. Including horses used for racing, showing, competition, sport, breeding, recreation, farm and ranch work, rodeo, carriage horses, polo, police work, informal competitions etc. This includes horses used both commercially and for pleasure.

Horse Competitions including the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) games involve over 60 countries, 1000 horses and contestants which will be competing for the first time in the United States specifically in Lexington KY in 2010. The popularity of horses is increasing among the world countries. The FEI is the international governing body of equestrian sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

The Horse industry directly employs 701,946* people. Some people are part time and some people are seasonal, so this equates to 460,000* full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.

Spending by suppliers and employees generates additional jobs for a total employment impact of 1,400,000* (1.4 million) jobs.

*American Horse Council Statistics

To: The 111th Congress of the United States

Be it that the BLM is currently holding more wild horses and burros in captivity than it can afford to maintain, (said to be approximatly 35,-40,000 and growing) and be it that by BLMs own admission, there is far more adoptable horses being held in these holding facilities than there is a demand for,...and be it that again, by the BLMs own admission, the Wild Horse and Burro Management Program is in crisis because of the great number of wild equines currently being held in captivity at these facilities,....We, the People of the United States who care about the welfare of Americas Equines and in particular our Wild & Free-roaming herds,...hereby submit this proposal to our representatives as well as to all members of Congress in hopes of providing a way for interested parties to come together and work towards enactment of these clauses as listed below which would allow a viable, cost-effective alternative to "un-restricted sale" and/or the extreme measure of euthansia that these thousands of American wild horses and burros being held in captivity are facing.

A Proposal

A BILL TO AMEND THE WILD FREE-ROAMING HORSES AND BURROS ACT OF 1971

Preserving those provisions of the 1971 Act not amended herein, including that provision which entitles the wild horses and burros to principal use of their historic rangelands "as found in 1971," and;

Amending,removing,replacing and/or adding certain portions and provisions of The Act to:

1. Declare American Equines a National Treasure;

2. Prohibiting the slaughter of any American Equine as well as prohibiting their sale or transfer to other parties for the purpose of slaughter.

3. Remove the Burns/Reid rider amendment that allows for the unrestricted sale of some wild horses or burros and replace with a "Pickins Plan" Amendment that would allow for placement of excess wild horses and burros in private or public sanctuaries while still maintaining the protections of this Act.

4. Correct the Omission of the 92nd Congress in failing to provide protections in the 1971 Act for ALL wild free-roaming horses and burros on all of our Nations public lands.

5. Declare, as the 109th Congress did, and re-affirm that December 13th is a National Day of the Horse and is to be celebrated annually.

The New Act, once written up and incorporated with the un-amended portions of the Old (1971) Act,...will superceede and replace the Wild Horse & Burro Act of 1971, and will be known as "The American Equine Protection Act of 2010."

*This is only a rough draft and suggestions on improvement are welcome and strongly encouraged.