Monday, February 23, 2009

Wild Horse Bill


Dear Readers,
Here's a site you'll want to visit for up-to-date information on laws effecting horses: HOOFLINKS
One of the most recent things I read there was about the current WILD HORSE bill -- which has NOT been voted on yet -- in Congress.
The current bill says "It is the policy of Congress that wild free-roaming horses and burros shall be protected from capture, branding,harassment, or death; and to accomplish this they are to be considered in the area where presently found, as an integral part of the natural system of the public lands."

Now read it with the change: "It is the policy of Congress that wild free-roaming horses and burros shall be protected from capture, branding, harassment, or death; and to accomplish this they are to be considered as an integral part of the natural system of the public lands."

Best changes as I see them?

1.This doesn't limit where horses can be located; it opens up every inch of public lands to them. Of course range health would be considered, too. See #4 below

2.The bill prohibits the use of helicopters for use in rounding up horses and burros, which the original bill intended.

3.The bill prohibits the euthanasia of healthy animals, and it doesn't allow for the commercial sale of the horses.


4.The bill prevents horses from being removed and never returned to the range. If the immediate health or safety of wild free-roaming horses or burros is threatened, such as in severe drought conditions, the Secretary shall temporarily remove animals from the range.

It sounds good to me, and American Horse Defense Fund is on top of things. I know there's some discussion about the changes and I'll try to keep you updated.
Best,
Terri

Permalink to this blog post

Posted by Terri Farley @ 8:03 PM

---

Comments: Champion! This is a major break through! I am soo thankful. I can't wait to see what happens next
~Rach
  I sure hope they pass a law to protect mustangs!
  I hope they pass the law too
  Post a Comment