3/17/98:

Bureau of Land Management Changes Position on Spring Wild Horse Roundups After Public Outcry

Washington, D.C. - The Doris Day Animal League applauded the decision of the BLM to place a moratorium on the roundup of wild horses in Wyoming until after the spring foaling season. The DDAL, The Fund for Animals and the newly formed Wild Horses Freedom Alliance had strongly protested the proposed roundup as exceedingly cruel, inhumane and unnecessary. "This is another important step in what is turning out to be a great year for the millions of Americans who lobby to help animals" said Holly Hazard, executive director of the DDAL. Al Peirson of the BLM office in Wyoming stated that the Bureau has decided to postpone all roundups of horses in Wyoming until after June when the foaling season is over. This is the first time the BLM has not conducted a spring gather in recent history according to Pierson's news statement.

The animal protection organizations had been concerned that mares would either be in foal at the time of roundup and would be much more prone to abortions during the stressful gathering procedure or would have newborn foals who, because of their unstable condition and tender hooves, could not keep up with their mothers during a roundup and would be lost or killed during this BLM activity.

Hazard added that the Bureau's change in position was a refreshing decision on the part of government leaders who listened to the argument set forth by concerned citizens and had the courage to take responsible action. The BLM has come under increasing criticism from animal rights organizations for continuing to round up wild horses and burros while it has more than 5,000 animals languishing, unadopted, in federal corrals. This inventory costs the taxpayers an estimated $50,000 per week.

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Last modified: 04/25/08