January 8, 2007: Legislation introduced to restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of America’s wild horses

On Friday, January 5th, U.S. Representatives Nick Rahall and Ed Whitfield introduced H.R. 249, legislation to restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of America’s wild horses. In the fall of 2004, Senator Conrad Burns from Montana introduced a rider to a massive Federal Appropriations bill that amended the 1971 Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act. The “Burns rider” mandated that all wild horses over the age of 10, or those offered 3 times unsuccessfully for adoption, be sold to the highest bidder. Shortly after this devastating legislation, 41 of America’s wild horses were bought and sold to slaughter. After a barrage of bad publicity, the Department of Interior placed a temporary halt on this new sale authority until they could create a stricter sales contract.

However, until the Burns rider is reversed wild horses can still legally be sold to the highest bidder. Once privatized, there is no guarantee as to their fate. H.R. 249 would reverse the Burns rider and prohibit the sale or slaughter of our wild horses. Return to Freedom commends Reps Rahall and Whitfield for their leadership in protecting America’s wild horses.

The wild horse is a cultural, historical and natural resource, and has long been considered a living symbol of our nation’s freedom. The ancestors of these horses pulled our plows, carried soldiers into battle, and made it possible for pioneers to make their historical journey across the vast plains to settle the West. Due to a continued and aggressive removal policy, they are rapidly disappearing from the western landscape. They are facing their last stand. Please be a voice for America’s wild horses.

Ask your Representative in the House to support H.R. 249. You can find your Representative at www.house.gov or by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

On behalf of the horses, thank you!