Boston Advocates Protest Round-ups

http://www.horsebackmagazine.com

January 10, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Boston Rallies on State House Steps for a Moratorium on BLM Mustang Round-ups

CHICAGO, (EWA), – Supporters of a request for a Presidential moratorium on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) round ups of wild horses on federal lands rallied at the base of Boston’s State House on Friday, January 8. The demonstration was one of a growing number of spontaneous rallies from coast to coast.

Spurred by the knowledge that America’s wild herds are in danger of virtual annihilation under the current BLM/Salazar plan, cold temperatures and light snow did nothing to discourage the demonstrators, and widespread support from drivers, tourists and city pedestrians helped brighten the winter’s day.

Horse welfare advocates and taxpayers alike from across the country continue to call for a review of BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro management program. Related concerns include the program’s specific and comprehensive effectiveness and efficiencies, conflicts with non-horse uses, compliance with recognized humane treatment standards and compliance with Congress’ statutes.

Taxpayers continue to call for BLM to address various outstanding concerns noted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Concerns include, but are not limited to, those that date to the GAO report of October 2008 (http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-09-77). The GAO report found that the BLM had precipitated a budgetary crisis by gathering horses at a faster rate than their adoption program could place them. The cost of warehousing these horses was over 70% of the BLM’s budget.

Congress gave the BLM a onetime budget windfall from the stimulus fund this year, but instead of using it to ameliorate the cost of holding 37,000 horses; they are using it to gather another 14,000 guaranteeing an even larger budget crisis in coming years. Advocates were alarmed to discover BLM documents discussing euthanizing these horses or sending them to slaughter in Canada.

Advocates will continue to appeal to their legislators in Washington, DC and will support them in actively approaching the President for an immediate round-up moratorium and program review.

www.equinewelfarealliance.org