Following over 35 protests in late 2009 and 2010, rallies have resumed this month in at least seven states nationwide to draw attention to the roundup of America’s wild horse and burro herds. Currently, nearly 40,000 wild horses and burros are held in pens and pastures managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The government agency projects an additional 3,200 will be added by the end of the year.
According to the Cloud Foundation, over the past year, protesters and Congressional Representatives have delivered letters to President Obama, Interior Secretary Salazar and BLM Director Bob Abbey, calling for a moratorium and review of the wild horse and burro program. The organization, dedicated to preserving the wild herds, claims the requests have gone unanswered.
“Continuing the costly, poor management practices of BLM that is leading to the total annihilation of the last of our wild mustang and burro herds is inexcusable.”says Cloud Foundation Director and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Ginger Kathrens. “If the BLM wants to work with the interested public on solutions, then our wild horses and burro herds require a ceasefire.”
For more information on upcoming rallies and protests, click here.
