BLM Initiates Wild Horse Research in Oregon

The agency will work with veterinarians to study safe methods to spay mares and control herd growth
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oregon’s Burns District announced its decision June 28 to initiate research, in cooperation with Oregon State University, to develop and evaluate safe and humane methods to spay wild horse mares as a method for managing the growth of wild horse herds on public lands.

The decision comes on the heels of the BLM’s latest annual population estimate that shows approximately 67,000 wild horses and burros roaming public lands in 10 Western states. This most recent estimate is 15%—equivalent to 9,000 additional animals—more than what was estimated in 2015. The BLM said the wild horse and burro population on public lands is now more than double what the agency has determined is healthy for the animals and the rangeland resources on which they and many other species depend. The BLM said its goal is to manage healthy horses on healthy rangelands.

The BLM said managing wild horse herd populations is essential to maintain the health of both the animals and of public lands. With virtually no natural predators, horse herds can grow 15-20% per year, doubling in just four years if left unchecked. Overpopulation on the range can damage fragile rangeland resources and compromise animal health, the agency added. In addition to the on-range population, the BLM is responsible for the care of 46,000 unadopted wild horses and burros in its off-range pastures and corral facilities. It costs nearly $50,000 to care for one unadopted horse in a corral over its lifetime, the agency said.

The BLM is tasked with overseeing the protection, management and control of wild horses and burros by the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-195)

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