The President's budget guidance continues the mismanagement of -- and provides roughly $5 million less for -- the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program, putting the lives of tens of thousands of mustangs and burros in jeopardy.  

Instead of cutting the already over-burdened program, Congress should answer the President's request with common sense solutions. Congress should pass a spending bill that directs BLM to reprioritize its spending away from cruel, costly and unsustainable roundups to more science-based, cost-effective and humane management on the range with proven fertility control.

While we are awaiting the details of the President's budget, we know that last year the BLM delivered a report to Congress that outlines four options for wild horse and burro management, all of which include the destruction of healthy wild horses and burros and unlimited sale for slaughter -- something the overwhelming majority of Americans oppose. It seems BLM has run out of ideas and should look to Congress for real solutions that a majority of Americans can support. 

The American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC) is dedicated to preserving the American wild horse in viable, free-roaming herds for generations to come, as part of our national heritage. Its grassroots mission is endorsed by a coalition of more than 60 horse advocacy, humane and public interest organizations.