BLM: Controversial Memo was Based on Possible Budget Cuts

The controversial memo that suggested halting gathers and implementing the euthanasia of sick and aged mustangs in the field is authentic, but was predicated on budget cuts that never happened, a BLM representative says.
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A controversial memo from Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Division Director Joan Guilfoyle that suggested halting gathers and implementing the euthanasia of sick and aged mustangs in the field is authentic, but was predicated on budget cuts that never happened, a BLM representative says.

The internal memo was made public last week after it was obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request, published reports say.

The BLM manages about 33,780 wild horses and 6,825 wild burros on BLM-managed range lands in 12 western states; the organization conducts wild horse gathers to attempt to maintain herds at designated herd management area levels. Gathered animals reside in long- or short- term holding areas, or are adopted by members of the public. As of February 2014, an estimated 49,246 other wild horses and burros are fed and cared for at BLM short- and long-term holding facilities.

In August 2013, Guilfoyle wrote the memo to Greg Shoop, assistant director of the Department of Renewal Resources and Planning, on the state of the wild horse and burro program and its strategic direction in 2014 and beyond. The memo outlined what the BLM might do if some 5% was cut from the agency's budget. Among Guilfoyle's recommendations were to halt to mustang gathers and to implement field euthanasia of wild horses and burros “as a final act of mercy if animals decline to near-death condition as the result of declining water or forage resources

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Written by:

Pat Raia is a veteran journalist who enjoys covering equine welfare, industry, and news. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her Tennessee Walking Horse, Sonny.

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