The last remaining herds are being systematically removed from our public lands. Roundups are being done as we speak in the grueling summer heat of Nevada. At last count more than 24 horses have died in this latest roundup.
More than 35,000 unwanted mustangs now live out their days in government corrals and holding pastures. More horses now have been captured than remain wild and free-roaming. Last year alone, the costs were $29 million.
And we have to ask ourselves why. Who is minding our public lands? The vast majority of the horses on the public lands are healthy, and unless denied the water source frequently fenced off for cattle use they can survive as they have for hundreds or perhaps thousands of years.
In 1959 Belva B. Johnston, a.k.a. Wild Horse Annie, testified before the House of Representatives. She said, “It is incredible that one should have to furnish any argument to bring about any laws to save the mustang, but if there must be an argument let it be this: that of all the things that have played a part in the development of this country, except for man, the horse has played the most important and beneficial role. He portrays the West as all people like to think of it. He is the symbol of wild freedom to us all.”
It wasn’t until 1971 that the federal Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon. At the ceremony he quoted [Henry David] Thoreau, saying “We need the tonic of wildness.”
Well, now more than ever we need the tonic of wildness. This land is your land; this land is my land. If you are outraged that our natural world is being exploited, polluted, and auctioned off to the highest bidders, then I have an idea.
First, remind yourself, ‘Despair is not an option.’ Thank you, [U.S. Senator] Bernie Sanders.
Next, never underestimate the power of the written word. Support your local post office, get a stack of postcards and get your kids, your friends, your colleagues to write a note to the BLM demanding that they reinstate the moratorium on roundups immediately.
When a U.S. senator receives a written letter they assume the viewpoint is shared by roughly ten thousand other constituents. Hey, it’s election year. Let’s start our own courage brigade. And remember that courage is grace under pressure, so practice civility, and for critters’ sake, try to persuade others to join you in protecting those without a voice.
All photos K. Makris/AnimalBeat.org: top photo - Wendie Malick lobbies Congressman Jim Moran; bottom photo - Wendie Malick addresses HSUS Lobby Day rally
For remarks from Congressman Moran and HSUS’s Pacelle, please visit this page in the coming days.
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