Sand Wash Basin wild horses

The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) wild horse roundup in the Sand Wash Basin Herd Management Area (HMA) has come to an end. Thanks to your voices, and the efforts of Governor Jared Polis. First Gentleman Marlon Reis, and Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, the roundup was called early within the HMA, and 150 more magnificent Sand Wash basin wild horses remain free. This leaves more than 300 wild horses in the HMA, instead of the BLM’s target post-roundup population of just 163.

10,000 calls and emails in 24 hours. That’s what you did, upping the political ante and providing the public pressure necessary to back up Governor Polis’ work to implement more humane wild horse management practices in his state.

In his public statement, Governor Polis cited the “public outpouring” that demonstrated “how much people care for the well-being of these iconic Colorado animals.”

Together, we made important progress for wild horses in Colorado this month. Now it’s time to take the next step by calling on Congress to conduct an oversight hearing of the BLM’s costly and cruel wild horse and burro roundup program. Click here to take action now!

While we cheer for the 150 wild horses were spared capture via helicopter stampede and the 52 captured wild horses (25 mares and 24 stallions released to the Sand Wash HMA and 3 relocated to the Spring Creek Basin HMA), our hearts break for the 479 wild horses who were not so lucky.

They have been shipped to the BLM holding corrals at the state prison in Canyon City amidst mounting concerns about conditions there. These horses face an uncertain future, either warehoused for years in BLM feedlots or adopted through the BLM’s Adoption Incentive Program that’s sending truckloads of horses into the slaughter pipeline. The Sand Wash Basin helicopter operation left a trail of destruction and a litany of animal welfare violations, including tiny foals left alone without their mothers on the range. But know one thing: as the abuses mount, so too does the public outrage and the number of political leaders willing to step up to rein in the BLM. 

Will you help us shine a light on what’s happening by emailing your member of Congress and urging them to support an oversight hearing into the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro program today?

The key ingredient to fighting back — and winning – is YOU. So on behalf of our whole team – and the wild horses and burros we all love — thank you for what you accomplished for the Sand Wash Basin wild horses.

Truly. You are the last line of defense for these cherished animals, and they need you to keep fighting for them. 

With Gratitude,
The AWHC Team