“Freedom” is a term used widely in our nation to describe absence of confinement and the ability to continue to live in peace.

The BLM continues to violate the Freedom of the native horses of the United States, evidence of which has been incontrovertibly proven by archeological digs revealing the bones of small horses that predate introduction of horses to the Americas by the Spaniards.

These magnificent creatures pose no threat to man, animal or environment, yet have been singled out by the BLM for removal and destruction so that private ranchers may profit by grazing their cattle on land owned solely by taxpaying Americans who overwhelmingly oppose these practices.

While there are some who argue that the Office of The President holds no sway over the BLM, I believe that President and Mrs. Obama must positively influence the outcome of this most critical and basic issue of “Freedom”.

Dear Ms. Jamroz:

I received your letter expressing concern about America’s wild horses and burros. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.

I understand your concern that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is removing wild horses and burros from rangelands and placing them in holding facilities. Under the authority of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, the BLM is to protect wild horses and burros, set appropriate management levels (AML), maintain current inventory counts, and remove “excess” animals to prevent overpopulation and rangeland damage. BLM relies on monitoring programs involving studies of grazing utilization, trends in range conditions, precipitation, and other factors. BLM sets the AML with public involvement through an in-depth environmental analysis and decision making process. BLM’s final decisions are subject to administrative review. To participate in the planning process, you may write to your local Field Office and ask to be placed on their Interested Party mailing list. Please find more information on each Field Office by visiting http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo.html.

You may be interested to know that H.R. 1018, “Restore Our American Mustangs Act,” introduced by Representative Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), passed the House of Representatives on July 17, 2009. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. This bill expands the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, bans the commercial slaughter of wild horses, requires the BLM to expand its wild horse and burro management programs, and requires the Secretary to expand fertility control as a humane control tool that will reduce the need for removal of horses from the range.

As a horse enthusiast, I share your concern for the fate of our nation’s wild horse populations, and I believe it is critical to seek solutions that will allow horses to live out their natural lives while being treated humanely and being adopted when possible. I am opposed to the practices of euthanizing horses for population control, or their sale for slaughter, and I will continue to be active on this issue. While I am not a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind as the Senate considers this legislation.

Again, thank you for writing. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the Nation are available at my website http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/. You can also receive electronic e-mail updates by subscribing to my e-mail list at http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ENewsletterSignup.Signup.

Dear Ms. Jamroz:

Thank you for writing to me regarding the management of the wild horse population on our public lands. I appreciate hearing from you and share your concerns.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), there are more than 36,000 wild horses and burros on the range and more than 31,000 in holding facilities, where many are offered for adoption. Citing increasing costs and low adoption rates, BLM officials say that budgetary constraints make it difficult to properly care for horses in excess of its target “appropriate management level” of 26,600.

The BLM has considered various options in its effort to minimize costs and control the increasing wild horse and burro population. Among these controversial options are the use of euthanasia on healthy animals and the unconditional sale of older horses that have been unsuccessfully offered for adoption. Unfortunately, the sale of horses without limitations could lead to horse slaughter.

As a long-time supporter of wildlife conservation, I believe that destroying these magnificent animals is never a viable management option. The BLM should more seriously consider alternative, more humane solutions such as improving the adoption program, exploring the use of contraceptives or sterilization to reduce herd sizes, or securing additional funds for a more effective program.

I am pleased to report that the Senate Interior Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2010 would provide $67.5 million for the Wild Horse and Burro Management Program, a $26.9 million increase from FY2009. I strongly support providing this funding for the program to ensure the proper care of these animals.

I also support legislation to expand the range where wild horses could roam freely, enhance the adoption program, encourage the use of non-lethal methods to reduce herd size, reduce the time a horse spends in a holding pen, and prohibit the euthanization or sale for slaughter of wild horses. On July 17, 2009, the House passed the Restore Our Wild Mustangs (ROAM) Act (H.R.1018), which would accomplish all of these goals. This bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

In addition, I believe strongly in a permanent ban on horse slaughter. That is why I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (S.727) to prohibit the transport, export, or sale of any horse to be slaughtered for human consumption.

I have consistently supported legislation to protect horses, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the ROAM Act and the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act and to see both of these important bills signed into law.

Thank you again for contacting me about this important issue. Rest assured that I will continue to support efforts to maintain the integrity of wild horse and burro populations on our public lands.

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

When will the greed over the $$$$ ever end?????
How many more lives will be taken ?????
Do something, don’t just read this & re-post !!!!!!
Save our horses and respect our four legged brothers and sisters………