Coalition Voices Alarm Over Federally Protected Wild Horses and Burros Potentially Reaching Slaughter Through BLM Sales Authority

Various advocacy organizations are raising alarms that wild horses and burros under federal safeguards may be directed into slaughter channels through the Bureau of Land Management Sales Authority Program.

Rewilding America Now (RAN), joined by The Cloud Foundation, RJF Equine, Save Our Wild Horses, Carol Walker and Sweet Grass advocacy, has urged Congress to launch a formal review by the U.S. Government Accountability Office into the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Sales Authority Program and its use of sales without restrictions.

The appeal stems from mounting concerns that weak safeguards in the Sales Authority Program enable the transfer of protected animals through auctions, often leading to slaughter despite longstanding congressional rules meant to prevent such outcomes.

In contrast to the Adoption Program, which features welfare protections, the Sales Authority Program permits immediate title transfer. Buyers, frequently brokers, can resell animals with minimal oversight. Critics point to a secondary market where horses acquired for as little as $25 are flipped for as much as $1,200 and may enter slaughter routes.

The network of brokers, transporters, and buyers profits from reselling these animals. Organizations have tracked multiple instances where program horses appeared in auctions and kill pens, prompting questions about transparency and accountability.

"This undermines the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 and the taxpayers supporting these efforts," stated Manda Kalimian, Founder of Rewilding America Now. "The statute views these animals as symbols of the Western pioneer spirit and requires their protection, yet many now face systems that lead to their demise."

Public opinion strongly opposes horse slaughter, with surveys showing broad support for humane treatment of wild horses and burros and rejection of commercial slaughter.

The BLM has noted instances of horses reaching slaughter pathways and recently canceled sales after animals appeared at the New Holland Auction in Pennsylvania. Advocates maintain these actions are infrequent and do not reflect robust monitoring.

Over the past ten years, thousands of wild horses may have followed similar paths, yet tracking after title transfer remains limited. The BLM lacks consistent post-sale checks to confirm long-term welfare.

Rewilding America Now and partners are calling for congressional action, arguing that stronger oversight is essential to prevent protected animals from reaching slaughter.

Linda Grieves, Co-Founder of Save America's Wild Horses, noted: "Save America's Wild Horses works to safeguard wild horses and burros on public lands and to highlight their challenges. United, we can keep them free with humane management."

"The rising presence of protected mustangs in kill pens reveals systemic shortcomings," said Jenni Sloan, President of RFJ Equine. "The Bureau of Land Management should assess welfare after removal and guarantee humane results after adoption or sale."

Carol Walker, Founder of Wild Hoofbeats, stated: "The BLM's expanded use of the Sales Authority Program betrays our wild horses. These animals should not end in slaughter."

Kerry Ferguson, Executive Director of The Cloud Foundation, stressed: "The public cares about the future of wild horses and burros. Greater openness and review can confirm that promised protections are delivered."

The coalition has asked Congress for a full audit of the BLM Sales Authority Program to examine whether it:

Contradicts congressional bans on slaughter
Neglects its own welfare rules
Misreports outcomes for wild horses and burros to lawmakers and citizens

About Rewilding America Now

Rewilding America Now advances conservation of North American landscapes via rewilding projects centered on wild horses as a key species. Using research, Tribal partnerships, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, RAN promotes policies that protect these animals and ecosystems through innovative initiatives.

Rewilding America Now operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and belongs to the Global Rewilding Alliance.

SOURCE Rewilding America Now