Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Judge Denies TRO to Stop Wild Horse Roundup at Refuge
Straight from the Horse's Heart
RENO, Nev. — A federal judge has denied a request by animal rights advocates to halt roundups of wild horses after the federal government quietly gathered nearly 400 mustangs at a national wildlife refuge on the Nevada-Oregon line.
Grass Roots Horse, a mustang advocacy group, had sought a restraining order against ongoing roundups. U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks on Monday denied its request for a temporary restraining order, but has not yet set a date to hear arguments in the case.
The group had amended their complaint Friday to include details of the latest roundup at the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge last week. It alleged that their observer was harassed by the helicopter contractor and federal employees, and that the observer discovered a grave site strewn with the bones of horses killed during previous roundups.
“The Fish and Wildlife Service has created an avenue for horses to be gathered without public notice and without any accountability,” said Laura Leigh, a spokeswoman for Grass Roots Horse. “If they are doing nothing wrong, then why all the secrecy?”
Paul Steblein, the agency’s project leader in Sheldon, confirmed 396 horses were removed from the refuge last week. He said the roundup was kept “low and quiet” for the safety of the workers and the horses because spectators at the site increase the chance of injury for humans and animals….click HERE for the rest of the story.
No Refuge for the Horses
RENO, Nev. — A federal judge has denied a request by animal rights advocates to halt roundups of wild horses after the federal government quietly gathered nearly 400 mustangs at a national wildlife refuge on the Nevada-Oregon line.
Grass Roots Horse, a mustang advocacy group, had sought a restraining order against ongoing roundups. U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks on Monday denied its request for a temporary restraining order, but has not yet set a date to hear arguments in the case.
The group had amended their complaint Friday to include details of the latest roundup at the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge last week. It alleged that their observer was harassed by the helicopter contractor and federal employees, and that the observer discovered a grave site strewn with the bones of horses killed during previous roundups.
“The Fish and Wildlife Service has created an avenue for horses to be gathered without public notice and without any accountability,” said Laura Leigh, a spokeswoman for Grass Roots Horse. “If they are doing nothing wrong, then why all the secrecy?”
Paul Steblein, the agency’s project leader in Sheldon, confirmed 396 horses were removed from the refuge last week. He said the roundup was kept “low and quiet” for the safety of the workers and the horses because spectators at the site increase the chance of injury for humans and animals….click HERE for the rest of the story.
Associated Press and Examiner Report Mass Grave Found
Please visit the site below for the article and video (thanks to Valerie JP for passing this on)
Mass Grave Containing Horse Remains Reportedly Found
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
BLM Back to Work Killing Wild Horses
Straight from the Horse's Heart
by Maureen Harmony ~ Equine Advocacy Examiner
Silver King wild horse roundup claims its first victims
Here we go again. It’s only three days into the controversial Silver King roundup, south of Ely, Nevada, and the BLM has already killed four perfectly healthy wild horses out of the 177 they’ve taken into custody.Why were these horses “euthanized” (i.e., “shot”)? According to the BLM’s report from the roundup: “Three of the horses were blind in one eye from previous injuries. The fourth horse suffered with a severe sway back.”
This is getting to be too much to bear. One-eyed horses can function perfectly well under a variety of conditions, as can sway-backed horses, and it’s difficult to imagine how these killings can possibly be justified, unless, of course, the eye injuries actually occurred during the entrapment process, and were not “pre-existing.”
Observers in the field have noted that a magnificent white stallion is among those whom the BLM’s contractor, Cattoor, has trapped since Saturday. You can see a photo of him on Laura Leigh’s blog.
Click (HERE) to Read Story in it’s Entirety
Joan Steelhammer pulls off another death-defying rescue of the Warm Springs horses - National Equine Advocacy | Examiner.com
Joan Steelhammer pulls off another death-defying rescue of the Warm Springs horses - National Equine Advocacy | Examiner.com
It wasn't the call Joan Steelhammer expected, but she knew she had to respond. Forty horses had just been rounded up on the Warm Springs Reservation in central Oregon and were slated to board a truck to Mexico in less than 48 hours. Some would be sold to rodeos, others would go to slaughter. There were 12 stallions, 22 mares, four foals--one of whom had been orphaned--and two yearlings. The caller asked, "Do you want them?"
MORE...
It wasn't the call Joan Steelhammer expected, but she knew she had to respond. Forty horses had just been rounded up on the Warm Springs Reservation in central Oregon and were slated to board a truck to Mexico in less than 48 hours. Some would be sold to rodeos, others would go to slaughter. There were 12 stallions, 22 mares, four foals--one of whom had been orphaned--and two yearlings. The caller asked, "Do you want them?"
MORE...
Monday, September 27, 2010
Herd Watch Discovers Covert Roundup in Nevada, Horse Bones Found
Horseback Magazine
Lone Female Equine Observer in Fear of Life in Desert
Reno, NV (Cloud)—Laura Leigh, Director of Herd Watch, a Cloud Foundation program, has been monitoring a hidden roundup occurring this week at the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge—notorious for hiding their activities from the public. Historically horses from Sheldon, in northwestern Nevada, have been extremely vulnerable to the slaughter pipeline and have been unaccounted for on many occasions. Herd Watch has learned that Sheldon horses have been subjected to experimental procedures such as vasectomies and hysterectomies done in the field so they still look like normal horses only they have been sterilized. Advocates are outraged. The roundup run by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), United States FIsh and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Cattoor Livestock, is happening without any public notification or provisions for observation.
“I walked over a ridge and began to see horse bones,” explains Leslie Peeples, operating in Sheldon on a tip from Leigh, “The bone trail became more abundant and led me to a large pit that had been recently covered up near another one freshly dug up. I photographed what I observed there.”
Peeples continued onward to view more than 250 wild horses alive in a temporary holding facility out of the 400 intend to secretly gather.
“When I got back into my car I was chased from the area by the roundup contractor’s helicopter that came within 20-30 feet of my car,” Peeples states. “I was afraid for my life.”
On Friday, Sept 24th Leigh filed for injunctive relief in connection with her lawsuit, supported by Grass Roots Horse, in Reno federal district court. She asks for the cessation of all activities associated with the clandestine protocols surrounding wild horse roundups and asks for documentation to be made public about all facets of wild horse and burro management under the Department of Interior. Leigh also asks that all private facilities be open to the public, including long-term warehousing where public horses are currently stockpiled and off-limits to public view with their ultimate bulk sale receipts to alleged kill-buyers kept hidden.
As a result of the 2004 Burns Ammendment, BLM now has the legal right to partake in unlimited sales of wild horses to alleged kill-buyers as well as mass euthanasia.
The Sheldon incident and all of it’s details including photographs, experimental vasectomy and hysterectomy accounts, and statements have been added to Leigh’s motion in order to illustrate the extraordinary efforts made to hide roundup activities by privately contracted individuals paid for by tax dollars.
“This iron curtain of secrecy must end now,” states Leigh. “Without transparency, democracy fails.”
Lone Female Equine Observer in Fear of Life in Desert
Reno, NV (Cloud)—Laura Leigh, Director of Herd Watch, a Cloud Foundation program, has been monitoring a hidden roundup occurring this week at the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge—notorious for hiding their activities from the public. Historically horses from Sheldon, in northwestern Nevada, have been extremely vulnerable to the slaughter pipeline and have been unaccounted for on many occasions. Herd Watch has learned that Sheldon horses have been subjected to experimental procedures such as vasectomies and hysterectomies done in the field so they still look like normal horses only they have been sterilized. Advocates are outraged. The roundup run by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), United States FIsh and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Cattoor Livestock, is happening without any public notification or provisions for observation.
“I walked over a ridge and began to see horse bones,” explains Leslie Peeples, operating in Sheldon on a tip from Leigh, “The bone trail became more abundant and led me to a large pit that had been recently covered up near another one freshly dug up. I photographed what I observed there.”
Peeples continued onward to view more than 250 wild horses alive in a temporary holding facility out of the 400 intend to secretly gather.
“When I got back into my car I was chased from the area by the roundup contractor’s helicopter that came within 20-30 feet of my car,” Peeples states. “I was afraid for my life.”
On Friday, Sept 24th Leigh filed for injunctive relief in connection with her lawsuit, supported by Grass Roots Horse, in Reno federal district court. She asks for the cessation of all activities associated with the clandestine protocols surrounding wild horse roundups and asks for documentation to be made public about all facets of wild horse and burro management under the Department of Interior. Leigh also asks that all private facilities be open to the public, including long-term warehousing where public horses are currently stockpiled and off-limits to public view with their ultimate bulk sale receipts to alleged kill-buyers kept hidden.
As a result of the 2004 Burns Ammendment, BLM now has the legal right to partake in unlimited sales of wild horses to alleged kill-buyers as well as mass euthanasia.
The Sheldon incident and all of it’s details including photographs, experimental vasectomy and hysterectomy accounts, and statements have been added to Leigh’s motion in order to illustrate the extraordinary efforts made to hide roundup activities by privately contracted individuals paid for by tax dollars.
“This iron curtain of secrecy must end now,” states Leigh. “Without transparency, democracy fails.”
Wild Horse Enthusiasts Now Complain About Method Of Capture – For The Love Of Horses
Rural Messenger
Last week’s feature concerning controversy of wild horses being sold by the Bureau of Land Management for slaughter brought comments of ire from both sides of the issue
That was expected, but the accompanying photo of the government using a helicopter to move and gather the mustangs also caused debate. Follow-up research revealed that such roundup methods bring considerable ire from wild horse supporters.
MORE...
.
Last week’s feature concerning controversy of wild horses being sold by the Bureau of Land Management for slaughter brought comments of ire from both sides of the issue
That was expected, but the accompanying photo of the government using a helicopter to move and gather the mustangs also caused debate. Follow-up research revealed that such roundup methods bring considerable ire from wild horse supporters.
MORE...
.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Wild horses subjected to experimental sterilization procedures in covert roundup
The Cloud Foundation
Media Contacts:
Makendra Silverman
Tel: 719-351-8187
Anne Novak
Tel: 415-531-8454
For Immediate Release
Herd Watch Discovers Covert Roundup in Nevada
Wild horses subjected to experimental sterilization procedures in wildlife refuge
Reno, NV (September 26, 2010)—Laura Leigh, Director of Herd Watch, a Cloud Foundation program, has been monitoring a hidden roundup occurring this week at the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge—notorious for hiding their activities from the public. Historically horses from Sheldon, in northwestern Nevada, have been extremely vulnerable to the slaughter pipeline and have been unaccounted for on many occasions. Herd Watch has learned that Sheldon horses have been subjected to experimental procedures such as vasectomies and hysterectomies done in the field so they still look like normal horses only they have been sterilized. Advocates are outraged. The roundup run by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), United States FIsh and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Cattoor Livestock, is happening without any public notification or provisions for observation.
"I walked over a ridge and began to see horse bones," explains Leslie Peeples, operating in Sheldon on a tip from Leigh, "The bone trail became more abundant and led me to a large pit that had been recently covered up near another one freshly dug up. I photographed what I observed there."
Peeples continued onward to view more than 250 wild horses alive in a temporary holding facility out of the 400 intend to secretly gather.
"When I got back into my car I was chased from the area by the roundup contractor’s helicopter that came within 20-30 feet of my car," Peeples states. "I was afraid for my life."
On Friday, Sept 24th Leigh filed for injunctive relief in connection with her lawsuit, supported by Grass Roots Horse, in Reno federal district court. She asks for the cessation of all activities associated with the clandestine protocols surrounding wild horse roundups and asks for documentation to be made public about all facets of wild horse and burro management under the Department of Interior. Leigh also asks that all private facilities be open to the public, including long-term warehousing where public horses are currently stockpiled and off-limits to public view with their ultimate bulk sale receipts to alleged kill-buyers kept hidden.
As a result of the 2004 Burns Ammendment, BLM now has the legal right to partake in unlimited sales of wild horses to alleged kill-buyers as well as mass euthanasia.
The Sheldon incident and all of it's details including photographs, experimental vasectomy and hysterectomy accounts, and statements have been added to Leigh's motion in order to illustrate the extraordinary efforts made to hide roundup activities by privately contracted individuals paid for by tax dollars.
"This iron curtain of secrecy must end now," states Leigh. "Without transparency, democracy fails."
# # #
Leigh vs Salazar http://www.grassrootshorse.com/ Click on Legal Actions Page & view Leslie Peeples
Wild Horse Experimental Hysterectomies & Vasectomies in the Field http://bit.ly/cU8GKg
Congress Sends Letter for Wild Herds to Secretary Salazar http://bit.ly/54sign
Roundup Schedule- http://bit.ly/roundupsched
‘Herd-Watch: Public Eyes for Public Horses’ http://bit.ly/9Wvh58
Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act http://bit.ly/a7hOeS
American Herds - "What's Left?" http://americanherds.blogspot.com/2009/12/whats-left.html
Unified Moratorium on Roundups Letter http://bit.ly/MoratoriumLtr
Mestengo. Mustang. Misfit. America’s Disappearing Wild Horses - A History http://bit.ly/8ZCk8e
Frequently Asked Questions on Wild Horses
Stampede to Oblivion: An Investigate Report from Las Vegas Now http://bit.ly/Stampede2Oblivion
Photos, video and interviews are available
The Cloud Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and protection of wild horses and burros on our Western public lands with a focus on protecting Cloud's herd in the Pryor Mountains of Montana.
107 S. 7th St. - Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Feds and Contractor Caught Conducting Covert Wild Horse Stampede
Straight from the Horse's Heart
(The News as We See It) by R.T. Fitch ~ Documentation supplied by GrassRootsHorse
GrassRootsHorse Catches BLM and Dave Cattoor with their Pants Down
BLM/Cattors covertly loading and shipping wild horses from Sheldon ~ Photo by Leslie Peeples
While law makers and the American public had their eyes concentrated on the much contested Silver King round up in Nevada the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) along with helicopter contractor David Cattoor where conducting an unpublished and unannounced secret wild horse gather at the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (Sheldon).
Plaintiff in several suits against the BLM for lack of transparency and violation of First Amendment Rights, Laura Leigh of GrassRootsHorse, was tipped off that there was illicit activity taking place at Sheldon as many roads were closed due to a “wild horse gather”.
On September 22, 2010 Ms. Leigh discussed this situation with wild horse advocate Leslie Peeples, who was already on the road to visit another wild horse herd, and Ms. Peeples immediately changed plans and headed to Sheldon to investigate as no such “gather” was indicated in any public records.
On the morning of Sept. 23, 2010 Ms. Peeples phoned the Lakeview office of the USFWS and when asked if a wild horse gather was being conducted she was told, “yes”.
Cattoor Truck at Sheldon ~ Photo by Leslie Peeples
Ms. Peeples headed out to Sheldon on back roads when she encountered an oncoming semi-truck with a livestock trailer being towed behind it at a reasonable speed. Ms. Peeples intended to ask the driver where the stampede was taking place so she pulled her car over to the side of the road and stepped out into her lane of traffic to flag the driver down for information. Upon seeing this, according to filed court documents, the truck driver aimed for the center of the road, speeded up and missed running over Ms. Peoples by only inches.
“It is my opinion based on clear observations at the time that, had I not moved out of the way, the truck would have hit me,” stated Ms. Peeples, “As it turns out, the truck which passed by me was loaded with, what I am informed and believe to be wild horses from the Sheldon gather.”
Same Truck at Twin Peaks ~ Photo by Terry Fitch
Photos verify that said truck was owned by BLM helicopter stampede contractor, David Cattoor. One photo was taken by Ms. Peeples at Sheldon and the other by Terry Fitch at Twin Peaks. They both match.
Subsequently, upon heading further up the road, Ms. Peeples was barred access to public lands and told that the stampede was not published because “We like to keep things low and quiet”. Likewise when Ms. Peeples inquired about viewing the horses at the holding facility she was told that it was on private land and that she would not be allowed.
Upon departing Sheldon and with the resumption of cell service Ms. Peeples did make contact with the USFWS Lakeview Regional Office (Lakeview Office) and spoke with a Mr. Paul Steblien who confirmed that a wild horse roundup was taking place and that 400 horses would be stampeded. Further information relayed by Mr. Steblien indicated that the horses would be transferred to the Dufferina Refuge Headquarters and that 250 of the captured horses would forever lose their freedom while 150 would be “vasectomized” and “ovarectomized” and returned to the refuge. Mr. Steblien did agree to escort Ms. Peeples into the gather area the following day.
Ms. Peeples then headed to the Dufferina Headquarters to further search for information regarding this secret stampede. Unfortunately no one was available at the office so she continued down the road to locate a place to take her dog for a walk.
Horse Bones near subversive burying pit near roundup wild horse holding facility ~ Photo by Leslie Peeples
Once outside of her car she began to notice skeletal horse remains scattered on the ground, as she began to investigate and walk further away from the road the bones became more numerous until she came upon a freshly dug pit. Nearby was what appeared to be another pit that was freshly covered with numerous bones scattered throughout the area.
“There were horse bones scattered everywhere. I photographed what I observed…”, Peeples said.
As she headed back to her car she heard horses whinnying. She walked towards the direction of the calls and discovered a holding facility with approximately 250 horses confined. There was no signage indicating area restrictions. Likewise, she witnessed parked in the area what she believed was the same truck that tried to run her over, earlier. There were no humans at the facility.
Chopper violating FAA Safety Regulations ~ Photo by Leslie Peeples
While walking back up the hill towards her car she could hear the roar of helicopter blades which as she proceeded and crested the hill she observed the helicopter hovering just a few dozen feet above the roof of her car. Once her physical presence was reveled the chopper pilot aggressively turned the aircraft in her direction and hovered directly over her with little more than 30 feet of safe clearance.
“At this point the helicopter was so close I could see the pilot’s face and his facial features appeared angry”, said Peeples.
As the unsettled Ms. Peeples attempted to make her way to the car the aircraft continued his aggressive actions and orbited around her at an estimated distance of only 60 feet. Even while in the car and attempting to drive away the chopper continued to harass her until she stopped and shot another picture which, then, caused the aircraft to depart the area.
Relentless helicopter attack againest taxpaying U.S. Citzen ~ Photo by Leslie Peeples
Ms. Peeples pulled over to gather her composure and exited her vehicle for some fresh air only to have the chopper return, again, to harass her. Once more the camera proved to be an effective weapon in deterring the marauding helicopter.
The level of harassment did not let up as soon Ms. Peeples was accosted by a USFWS Ranger and the following day her “escort” was canceled due to her unexpected presence on public land the day before.
Likewise Ms. Peeples was interrogated and harassed by federal officials the following day as is described in court documents submitted by Gordon Cowan, attorney for GrassRootsHorse.
Ms. Peeples has and will submit to the court her video and photographic documentation of the events laid out in this brief article. Her declaration, in its entirety, can be downloaded here at the “Box” widget and at GrassRootsHorse.
Please check in at GrassRootsHorse for the latest on this ever changing misuse of Federal Authority
Friday, September 24, 2010
THE U.S. Equine Advocacy Letter to Nancy Pelosi BLM Clobbered with Law Suit to Cease All Helicopter Stampedes
http://rtfitch.wordpress.com/2010/09/25/blm-clobbered-with-law-suit-to-cease-all-helicopter-stampedes/
(The News as We See It) by R.T. Fitch
The motion names as defendants Ken Salazar, Bob Abbey, Ron Wenker and the BLM as it asks for an immediate cessation of all helicopter roundups and related activities regarding any and all aspects of actions related to wild horse movement, gathering or roundup as well as any actions involving all the horses in both short and long term holding. The case has been assigned to the Honorable Judge Hicks who, likewise, is considering Ms. Leigh’s contempt complaint regarding the Tuscarora stampede.
This motion is all about accountability, access, transparency and the First Amendment rights granted to all U.S. citizens under the Constitution.
“This is about the horses, each and every horse. Every individual life that leaves the range matters and is important to the American public. This is not about some bulk inventory and it is about time that the government recognizes that fact. We are not going away. The wild horses and burros are living beings mandated to be managed humanely.” said Maureen VanDerStad of Grass Roots Horse, a nonprofit group based in grass roots activism.
“This is not rocket science”, stated Ms. Leigh, “All we are asking for is fair and equitable access to witness not only the operations of the BLM’s roundups but the subsequent handling and treatment of the horses now held captive. It seems that transparency is easy to promise but difficult for the BLM to deliver upon.”
This grass roots battle for humane treatment and proper management of the wild horses and burros has been going on since Velma Johnston first sought to stop the killing and abuse of the wild horses and burros six decades ago. That effort resulted in the Free Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971 (ROAM), which mandated, among many other things, the humane treatment of these symbols of our American heritage and pioneer spirit.
The Bureau of Land Management and the Department of Interior have steadily and secretly chipped away at those mandates and protections over the years resulting in the abominable situation we have now. Anything to do with the wild horse and burro program or the animals themselves, even their location, is shrouded in secrecy and hidden under layers of excessive bureaucracy.
“This battle has been waged for decades,” stated author and fellow correspondent R.T. Fitch, “The difference today is that we have turned up the volume with technology which enables us to put this travesty directly into the living rooms and dens of the taxpaying American public. We are watching and so is the world!”
(The News as We See It) by R.T. Fitch
GrassRootsHorse Sends BLM into Legal Tailspin
Photojournalist and videographer Laura Leigh, supported by GrassRootsHorse, filed a motion for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) at 0500hrs PT, September 24th 2010.
Horseback Magazine Reporters R.T. Fitch and Laura Leigh at Twin Peaks Stampede ~ Photo by Terry Fitch
This motion is all about accountability, access, transparency and the First Amendment rights granted to all U.S. citizens under the Constitution.
“This is about the horses, each and every horse. Every individual life that leaves the range matters and is important to the American public. This is not about some bulk inventory and it is about time that the government recognizes that fact. We are not going away. The wild horses and burros are living beings mandated to be managed humanely.” said Maureen VanDerStad of Grass Roots Horse, a nonprofit group based in grass roots activism.
“This is not rocket science”, stated Ms. Leigh, “All we are asking for is fair and equitable access to witness not only the operations of the BLM’s roundups but the subsequent handling and treatment of the horses now held captive. It seems that transparency is easy to promise but difficult for the BLM to deliver upon.”
This grass roots battle for humane treatment and proper management of the wild horses and burros has been going on since Velma Johnston first sought to stop the killing and abuse of the wild horses and burros six decades ago. That effort resulted in the Free Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971 (ROAM), which mandated, among many other things, the humane treatment of these symbols of our American heritage and pioneer spirit.
The Bureau of Land Management and the Department of Interior have steadily and secretly chipped away at those mandates and protections over the years resulting in the abominable situation we have now. Anything to do with the wild horse and burro program or the animals themselves, even their location, is shrouded in secrecy and hidden under layers of excessive bureaucracy.
“This battle has been waged for decades,” stated author and fellow correspondent R.T. Fitch, “The difference today is that we have turned up the volume with technology which enables us to put this travesty directly into the living rooms and dens of the taxpaying American public. We are watching and so is the world!”
Visit GrassRootsHorse.com for Additional News
Court documents including declarations from Laura Leigh, R.T. Fitch, Terry Fitch, Debbie Coffey and Steven Long can be downloaded from the “Box” in the lower right sidebar
Round Up and Slaughter Wyoming's Response to Too Many Horses
Huffington Post
When I think of horses, I think of my alma mater, Saint Timothy's school in the suburbs of Baltimore Maryland. One of the most memorable sights from my high school days was that of my fellow classmates preparing for horse shows, braiding their beautiful horses and donning their riding outfits in hopes of a victory: win, place, or show. Horses, we learned there, are magnificent and sacred animals that we cared for and nourished.
Read MORE...
When I think of horses, I think of my alma mater, Saint Timothy's school in the suburbs of Baltimore Maryland. One of the most memorable sights from my high school days was that of my fellow classmates preparing for horse shows, braiding their beautiful horses and donning their riding outfits in hopes of a victory: win, place, or show. Horses, we learned there, are magnificent and sacred animals that we cared for and nourished.
Read MORE...
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Campaign to Impeach Interior Secretary Salazar Begun
The Desert Independent
By ROBERT WINKLER
The Desert Independent
September 10, 2010
The International Fund for Horses, fed up with inaction to stop the inhumane onslaught of the Bureau of Land Management against the wild horse herd of the western United States, launched a campaign to impeach Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior.
The group additionally is going after Bob Abby of the BLM. They intend to hold both men criminally libel for their treatment of these horses.
For details of the BLM’s bad behavior please see The Desert Independent’s Archives.
If you would like more information on The International Fund for Horses or to sign the impeachment, click HERE.
Wild Burro Roundup Starts Monday
JustSAyNews.com
MORE...
Wild Burro Roundup Starts Monday
YUMA, AZ – Due to mechanical maintenance of a helicopter, the Bureau of Land Management’s Yuma Field Office will begin gathering 100 burros near Blythe this Monday (September 27th).MORE...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Your Government at Work Kicking Butt & Killing Wild Horses
Desert Independent
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is spending your hard earned taxpayer dollars to harass these horses throughout the west. Read our articles or use any search engine to check it out. Want to do something about it. How about clicking the image above (right on the pilots nose if you like) and donating a dollar or two (or more).
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Two action alerts for our wild horses/burros, due 9/23
Thanks to Carla Bowers!
Friends & Advocates -
Please get your click/send comments in via the following links:
https://secure2.convio.net/ida/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1643
https://secure2.convio.net/ida/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1646
Please forward to other interested parties who want to preserve the last of our wild mustangs & burros on their legal Western lands as opposed to cruelly rounding them up & warehousing them in the Midwest at huge taxpayer expense.
Many thanks.
For the wild ones, Carla B
Friends & Advocates -
Please get your click/send comments in via the following links:
https://secure2.convio.net/ida/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1643
https://secure2.convio.net/ida/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1646
Please forward to other interested parties who want to preserve the last of our wild mustangs & burros on their legal Western lands as opposed to cruelly rounding them up & warehousing them in the Midwest at huge taxpayer expense.
Many thanks.
For the wild ones, Carla B
Nevada DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF KILLING WILD HORSES
Alliance of Wild Horse Advocates
For the past two weeks residents of the community of Moundhouse have been puzzling over why Virginia Range horses that typically roamed the hills between the town and Virgina City have been crossing busy US-50 to get to the south side of the highway. After a horse was hit and killed in a road accident, the investigation intensified.
Read MORE...
For the past two weeks residents of the community of Moundhouse have been puzzling over why Virginia Range horses that typically roamed the hills between the town and Virgina City have been crossing busy US-50 to get to the south side of the highway. After a horse was hit and killed in a road accident, the investigation intensified.
Read MORE...
Pickens Refuge Not a Done Deal, Says BLM
Straight from the Horse's Heart
“We’re encouraged by recent meetings between Mrs. Pickens and BLM
Leadership,” chief Washington spokesman Tom Gorey told Horseback Magazine late Monday.
“At this time, we’re waiting for the receipt of a formal, written proposal from Mrs. Pickens before taking an official position on it,” he said.
More...
.
BLM Crawfishs on Pickens Sterile Herds
HOUSTON, (Horseback) – A highly placed spokesman for the federal Bureau of Land Management refused to confirm that a proposed private refuge for tens of thousands of wild horses is a done deal, as claimed by billionaire Madeleine Pickens.
“We’re encouraged by recent meetings between Mrs. Pickens and BLM
Leadership,” chief Washington spokesman Tom Gorey told Horseback Magazine late Monday.
“At this time, we’re waiting for the receipt of a formal, written proposal from Mrs. Pickens before taking an official position on it,” he said.
More...
.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Wild Horses in North Carolina, Western States Face Uncertain Future
Fox News
They've survived in the wild for half a millennium, but now a development boom is threatening the very existence of the wild horses that roam the Outer Banks of North Carolina. And life isn't much better for the horses and burros that roam freely in the western United States, either.
More...
They've survived in the wild for half a millennium, but now a development boom is threatening the very existence of the wild horses that roam the Outer Banks of North Carolina. And life isn't much better for the horses and burros that roam freely in the western United States, either.
More...
Please Call Today!
Representative James Moran needs your help to get H.R. 503 to a vote in the House!
U.S. Representative James Moran is circulating the letter set out below to all members of the House of Representatives for their signature. Once signatures have been gathered, Rep. Moran and members of the House of Representatives will present the letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. The letter calls on Speaker Pelosi to bring the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, H.R. 503, to a vote by the full House of Representatives immediately. Equine Welfare Alliance and Animal Law Coalition urge you to call on your U.S. representative to sign this letter now!
Visit this site to find the name and contact information for your U.S. representative in Washington:
http://www.contactingthecongress.org/ You can also call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 or TOLL-FREE 1-877-762-8762 and ask for your U.S. representative. The letter must be signed by Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010. It is best to call or fax your representative. Tell your representative that you urge him or her to sign on as a co-sponsor and contact Rep. Moran and sign the letter calling on Speaker Pelosi to schedule a vote on the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, H.R. 503. Be sure to tell your representative that you live in his or her district and ask for a copy of the letter with your representative's signature! Go here to find out if your rep is already a co-sponsor and, if so, urge him or her to sign the letter!
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d111:1:./temp/~bdMUeg:@@@P|/home/LegislativeData.php|
H.R. 503 will put an end to the slaughter of American horses. Only a federal law can stop this tragedy. As John Holland, founder and president of Equine Welfare Alliance, put it, "Horse slaughter is not a 'necessary evil', as the industry claims, it is simply evil. Now is our opportunity to resign this practice to the dust bin of American history." Find a copy of the bill here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.503:
On behalf of Equine Welfare Alliance and Animal Law Coalition, we thank you for the difference you are making for the horses.
___________________________________________
Following is a copy of the letter:
September xx, 2010
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Office of the Speaker of the House
H-232, The U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Madame Speaker:
We write to you in strong support of the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 503), legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption and prevent the export of live horses for the same purpose. With 183 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, 28 in the Senate, and tremendous public support, we urge you to allow this bill a vote in the House.
Equine slaughter is inhumane by nature. Horses have a fractious reaction to the stress induced by chutes, kill boxes, puntilla knives and captive bolt stun systems, causing these animals to suffer immensely and die an inhumane death. These animals are subjected to brutal transport conditions on their way to slaughter facilities. In addition, the consumption of horsemeat poses a serious public health threat as this meat contains substances banned for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Since 2005, Congress has repeatedly voted to shut down the cruel practice of horse slaughter and included appropriations language to defund the USDA inspection of horses and horsemeat as a stopgap measure until a permanent federal ban is passed. The last three horse slaughter plants on U.S. soil were closed by enforcement of state law in Texas and a recently enacted ban on horse slaughter in Illinois. As you know, California overwhelmingly banned horse slaughter over a decade ago, and the state legislature just passed a resolution in favor of passing the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act.
Still, American horses continue to be sent over the border for human consumption. Since January of this year, approximately 53,850 horses have been transported across our nation's borders into the cruelty of slaughter in Mexico and Canada. This number amounts to about 100,000 horses annually, 1,500 per week, or one every five minutes.
As cosponsors of H.R. 503, we, along with millions of Americans and animal protection organizations such as the Animal Welfare Institute and the Humane Society of the United States, urge you to bring this bill to the House floor for a vote.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of this critical legislation.
Best regards,
(U.S. Rep._______________)
National Horse Group Urges Passage to Equine Cruelty Act
Horseback Magazine
Equine Welfare Alliance Issues Call to Arms On H.R. 503
Photo by Steven Long
U.S. Representative James Moran is circulating the letter set out below to all members of the House of Representatives for their signature. Once signatures have been gathered, Rep. Moran and members of the House of Representatives will present the letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. The letter calls on Speaker Pelosi to bring the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, H.R. 503, to a vote by the full House of Representatives immediately.
Equine Welfare Alliance and Animal Law Coalition urge you to call on your U.S. representative to sign this letter now!
Visit this site to find the name and contact information for your U.S. representative in Washington: Contacting the Congress
You can also call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your U.S. representative.
The letter must be signed by Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010. It is best to call or fax your representative. Tell your representative that you urge him or her to sign on as a co-sponsor and contact Rep. Moran and sign the letter calling on Speaker Pelosi to schedule a vote on the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, H.R. 503. Be sure to tell your representative that you live in his or her district and ask for a copy of the letter with your representative’s signature!
Go here to find out if your rep is already a co-sponsor and, if so, urge him or her to sign the letter! Please note, you will need to enter HR 503 in the middle column under Search and after selecting Bill Number, or see below for a complete list.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday's Horse Auction Results on the NV 175 horses
From Willis Lamm of Wild Horse Mentors
101 horses ended up on the consignment list for the auction, less than "advertised," which was a relief. Most clearly were ranch horses, or at least former ranch horses, that conclusion being drawn from their body types, behavior and hooves. There is certainly a distinction between well worn mustang feet and the overgrown platters of the ranch horses that didn't get much attention. Plus there were quite a few geldings and as one advocate observed, "They don't do that on their own."
There were a few mustang looking types but they certainly weren't the majority of this sale.
Here are some interesting statistics that are based on comparing notes, the haul out records and the catalog.
101 horses were listed.
Lifesavers bought:
29 mares
10 youngsters (weanlings / yearlings)
15 studs
46 geldings
That came to 100 horses although the Lifesavers contingent only bid on and bought 96 horses. 30 of those are going to a new sanctuary group in northern California. A few paint horses had a lot of white coat and pink skin. They'll go up there where they can be turned out under the trees and stay out of the sun. (I apologize for not remembering the name of the new group.)
A local family bought two weanlings and a mare.
The mother of one of the sale yard staff bought a terribly skinny orphan foal.
Kill buyer Ole Olsen bought one horse. In fact it was a saddle horse that Ole brought to the auction, didn't think was bringing enough money, so he bought his own horse at the sale. Other than that he left with an empty trailer. I kind of hated to see any horse be stuck with Ole but the old buzzard does recognize that this horse is worth more under saddle than hanging from a meat hook.
Where the extra four horses came from are a puzzle, but this whole affair has been a puzzle.
There are several really nice big ranch horses that appear to be really well broke and not bothered by much. They might be fantastic for someone needing a good outdoor horse.
Harold Roy Miller took a few photos as we were lining up to load out. The first two are of a "conversation" that took place in one of the stallion pens when the sale yard crew inadvertently ran one of the mares into the stallion pen.
"Discussion"
"Reply"
One of the foals.
BTW, Mike Holmes raised a fuss about the mare in the stallion pen and the auction crew immediately straightened that one out. A short while later they found and removed a happy stud that should have been in the stallion pen but ended up in one of the mare pens. The mare in the stud pen came out a bit lame so she went to Shirley's for some focused care and a much overdue trim.
Thanks to the trailer volunteers (in order of "appearance" in the trailer train.).
Harold and Diana Miller
I pulled Trailer #2
Sharon Lamm and Betty Retzer
Sheila Schwadel
Gordon and Lavonne Hutting
Shirley Allen
Mark ??? (who Shirley knows and joined up at the last minute.)
This "rescue" was made doable through the cooperation and support of several allied horse groups.
All horses have been transported safely and photos of the horses that will be available for placement will be posted once the northern California group's horses have been sorted from the larger groups.
If anyone wants to find out more about any of these horses please contact Shirley Allen at shirley@whmentors.org, 775-246-7636, or Mike Holmes at 775-720-2412.
As a result of the two recent auctions Lifesavers is holding a huge number of horses so anyone who might like to take home a horse or could provide Foster care should contact Shirley or Mike.
Thanks!
":O) Willis
Feel free to cross post.
We had an interesting day on Saturday. Once again the kill buyers left with empty trailers (or near empty trailers, as will be explained below.) 101 horses ended up on the consignment list for the auction, less than "advertised," which was a relief. Most clearly were ranch horses, or at least former ranch horses, that conclusion being drawn from their body types, behavior and hooves. There is certainly a distinction between well worn mustang feet and the overgrown platters of the ranch horses that didn't get much attention. Plus there were quite a few geldings and as one advocate observed, "They don't do that on their own."
There were a few mustang looking types but they certainly weren't the majority of this sale.
Here are some interesting statistics that are based on comparing notes, the haul out records and the catalog.
101 horses were listed.
Lifesavers bought:
29 mares
10 youngsters (weanlings / yearlings)
15 studs
46 geldings
That came to 100 horses although the Lifesavers contingent only bid on and bought 96 horses. 30 of those are going to a new sanctuary group in northern California. A few paint horses had a lot of white coat and pink skin. They'll go up there where they can be turned out under the trees and stay out of the sun. (I apologize for not remembering the name of the new group.)
A local family bought two weanlings and a mare.
The mother of one of the sale yard staff bought a terribly skinny orphan foal.
Kill buyer Ole Olsen bought one horse. In fact it was a saddle horse that Ole brought to the auction, didn't think was bringing enough money, so he bought his own horse at the sale. Other than that he left with an empty trailer. I kind of hated to see any horse be stuck with Ole but the old buzzard does recognize that this horse is worth more under saddle than hanging from a meat hook.
Where the extra four horses came from are a puzzle, but this whole affair has been a puzzle.
There are several really nice big ranch horses that appear to be really well broke and not bothered by much. They might be fantastic for someone needing a good outdoor horse.
Harold Roy Miller took a few photos as we were lining up to load out. The first two are of a "conversation" that took place in one of the stallion pens when the sale yard crew inadvertently ran one of the mares into the stallion pen.
"Discussion"
"Reply"
One of the foals.
BTW, Mike Holmes raised a fuss about the mare in the stallion pen and the auction crew immediately straightened that one out. A short while later they found and removed a happy stud that should have been in the stallion pen but ended up in one of the mare pens. The mare in the stud pen came out a bit lame so she went to Shirley's for some focused care and a much overdue trim.
Thanks to the trailer volunteers (in order of "appearance" in the trailer train.).
Harold and Diana Miller
I pulled Trailer #2
Sharon Lamm and Betty Retzer
Sheila Schwadel
Gordon and Lavonne Hutting
Shirley Allen
Mark ??? (who Shirley knows and joined up at the last minute.)
This "rescue" was made doable through the cooperation and support of several allied horse groups.
All horses have been transported safely and photos of the horses that will be available for placement will be posted once the northern California group's horses have been sorted from the larger groups.
If anyone wants to find out more about any of these horses please contact Shirley Allen at shirley@whmentors.org, 775-246-7636, or Mike Holmes at 775-720-2412.
As a result of the two recent auctions Lifesavers is holding a huge number of horses so anyone who might like to take home a horse or could provide Foster care should contact Shirley or Mike.
Thanks!
":O) Willis
The Silence of the Foals and Journalists
Straight from the Horse's Heart
Gordon Cowan represents GrassRootsHorse/plaintiff Laura Leigh
RENO, – The BLM is escalating removal of wild horses from western rangelands in epic numbers. Thirteen thousand horses will be removed just this year. Flawed data and ulterior motive drive their purpose. Blanket closures, deception and restrictions hide their brutal enterprise. With journalists excluded, their public relations prowess spins favorable accounts from horrendous failures.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
BLM to continue castrating wild horses using disputed anesthesia protocol - National Equine Advocacy | Examiner.com
BLM to continue castrating wild horses using disputed anesthesia protocol - National Equine Advocacy | Examiner.com
It's official. The BLM intends to disregard HSUS veterinarian Dr. Eric Davis's "serious concerns" about the use of the paralytic drug, succinycholine, as an anesthesia agent during wild horse castrations. It doesn't matter that succinylcholine has already caused the deaths of several geldings castrated by Dr. Richard Sanford at the Broken Arrow holding facility in Fallon, Nevada. And apparently, it doesn't matter that the drug routinely causes potentially fatal respiratory difficulties that are best addressed by pressurized oxygen equipment that is not even available at BLM facilities.
More...
.
It's official. The BLM intends to disregard HSUS veterinarian Dr. Eric Davis's "serious concerns" about the use of the paralytic drug, succinycholine, as an anesthesia agent during wild horse castrations. It doesn't matter that succinylcholine has already caused the deaths of several geldings castrated by Dr. Richard Sanford at the Broken Arrow holding facility in Fallon, Nevada. And apparently, it doesn't matter that the drug routinely causes potentially fatal respiratory difficulties that are best addressed by pressurized oxygen equipment that is not even available at BLM facilities.
More...
.
Wild Horse Eco-Sanctuary: Relief for the Imprisoned but No Help to the Free
Straight from the Horse's Heart
Anyone who knows anything about Wild Horses and Burros has heard the recent news that Madeleine Pickens has reported to garner agreement from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to move 1,000 captive wild horses from long term holding to an “Eco-Sanctuary” environment with the remaining 38,000+ to follow. Ms. Pickens should be applauded for her efforts but while she moves 1,000 altered Wild Horses to private land the BLM will strip from public land several thousand more and put them behind bars. Doesn’t speak highly of the BLM’s level of commitment to a solution, does it?
Although we want to see all of the horses out of their BLM prisons a declared moratorium on the process of using bad numbers, junk science and political motives as excuses to steal America’s mustangs from their rightful land should be a component to these negotiations and an eventual solution. Without a moratorium on the roundups, to give time for a full accounting of actual Wild Horse and Burro numbers, we are just pumping more horses into a cruel situation while gutting the taxpayer’s pocketbooks.
In reality, we are giving a spoon full of medicine to treat a symptom while the cancer continues to ravage the body; outside of giving a little comfort it does not change the inevitable outcome of the sickness’s progression and the “Eco-Sanctuary” will not stop the BLM’s decimation of the wild horses from their native homes.
Personally, I do not trust the management of the BLM as for decades they have been attempting to destroy the wild horses and burros of this great nation. It was just two short years ago when this same agency wanted to kill all of the horses that they had in long term holding; a leopard does not change his spots that quickly.
This is not an act of benevolence on the part of the BLM but an excuse and a device to distract the public outrage as the BLM “Wild Horse Harvesting Machine” continues its consumption of all of the wild horses from their rightful homes. 12,000 horses this year added to the existing 38,000 and 11,000 more stampeded into oblivion next year. Do the math and being that we do not have an accurate accounting of what is really out there, the end of the American Wild Horse draws nearer with each passing day.
Madeleine’s news will be good news to the horses that are in BLM concentration camps but it will do nothing to stop the BLM from continuing its assault upon our national icon. The only way to slow this down and stop the deadly stampedes is to chant the mantra of “Moratorium”; repeat it loud and often, the madness has to stop so that true science, compassion and ethical management can be applied to the saving of our last few, true, wild horses.
What we need, today, is a moratorium; that would be something to truly celebrate about.
Wild Horses should be Wild
Anyone who knows anything about Wild Horses and Burros has heard the recent news that Madeleine Pickens has reported to garner agreement from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to move 1,000 captive wild horses from long term holding to an “Eco-Sanctuary” environment with the remaining 38,000+ to follow. Ms. Pickens should be applauded for her efforts but while she moves 1,000 altered Wild Horses to private land the BLM will strip from public land several thousand more and put them behind bars. Doesn’t speak highly of the BLM’s level of commitment to a solution, does it?
Although we want to see all of the horses out of their BLM prisons a declared moratorium on the process of using bad numbers, junk science and political motives as excuses to steal America’s mustangs from their rightful land should be a component to these negotiations and an eventual solution. Without a moratorium on the roundups, to give time for a full accounting of actual Wild Horse and Burro numbers, we are just pumping more horses into a cruel situation while gutting the taxpayer’s pocketbooks.
In reality, we are giving a spoon full of medicine to treat a symptom while the cancer continues to ravage the body; outside of giving a little comfort it does not change the inevitable outcome of the sickness’s progression and the “Eco-Sanctuary” will not stop the BLM’s decimation of the wild horses from their native homes.
Personally, I do not trust the management of the BLM as for decades they have been attempting to destroy the wild horses and burros of this great nation. It was just two short years ago when this same agency wanted to kill all of the horses that they had in long term holding; a leopard does not change his spots that quickly.
This is not an act of benevolence on the part of the BLM but an excuse and a device to distract the public outrage as the BLM “Wild Horse Harvesting Machine” continues its consumption of all of the wild horses from their rightful homes. 12,000 horses this year added to the existing 38,000 and 11,000 more stampeded into oblivion next year. Do the math and being that we do not have an accurate accounting of what is really out there, the end of the American Wild Horse draws nearer with each passing day.
Madeleine’s news will be good news to the horses that are in BLM concentration camps but it will do nothing to stop the BLM from continuing its assault upon our national icon. The only way to slow this down and stop the deadly stampedes is to chant the mantra of “Moratorium”; repeat it loud and often, the madness has to stop so that true science, compassion and ethical management can be applied to the saving of our last few, true, wild horses.
What we need, today, is a moratorium; that would be something to truly celebrate about.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Part III: Who is Sue Wallis and Why Should I Care?
http://rtfitch.wordpress.com/2010/09/17/part-iii-who-is-sue-wallis-and-why-should-i-care/
By Nell Walton ~ Publisher of AllHorsesPost
In a membership communication distributed on January 30, the United Organizations of the Horse (a Wyoming based lobbying group whose mission is to open a horse slaughter facility in Wyoming – referred to as the UOH) applauded the financial support of various organizations and spoke of the attendance of Rep. Sue Wallis and David Duquette at the Simon Bucking Stock Sale in Oklahoma City, OK. Rep. Wallis is an elected state legislator from Wyoming, as well as Executive Director of the UOH, and Mr. Duquette is the President of the nonprofit 501 (c)(3) affiliate of the UOH, the United Horseman’s Front. The Simon Bucking Stock Sale is operated by Joe Simon Enterprises of Lakeville, MN.
Read more HERE...
This is a MUST-READ!
By Nell Walton ~ Publisher of AllHorsesPost
Good Work if You Can Get It…..
In a membership communication distributed on January 30, the United Organizations of the Horse (a Wyoming based lobbying group whose mission is to open a horse slaughter facility in Wyoming – referred to as the UOH) applauded the financial support of various organizations and spoke of the attendance of Rep. Sue Wallis and David Duquette at the Simon Bucking Stock Sale in Oklahoma City, OK. Rep. Wallis is an elected state legislator from Wyoming, as well as Executive Director of the UOH, and Mr. Duquette is the President of the nonprofit 501 (c)(3) affiliate of the UOH, the United Horseman’s Front. The Simon Bucking Stock Sale is operated by Joe Simon Enterprises of Lakeville, MN.
Read more HERE...
Saving America's Mustangs | Madeleine's Mustangs
Saving America's Mustangs | Madeleine's Mustangs
“A Dream Come True!” The BLM Agrees to Support Madeleine Pickens’ Wild Horse Eco-Sanctuary
We are SO excited to FINALLY announce the best news we have had to share with you in over 2 1/2 years!
OUR MUSTANGS ARE GETTING THEIR SANCTUARY AND HAVE THE BLM’S SUPPORT!!!
Please Join This Effort to End Horse Slaughter!
Americans Against Horse Slaughter
Dear Friends,
Americans Against Horse Slaughter would like our Members to join EWA and ALC in this effort to bring H.R.503 to the floor for a vote. Please see the information below.
Thanks for all you do for the horses.
Americans Against Horse Slaughter
(Courtesy EWA/ALC)
Representative James Moran needs your help to get H.R. 503 to a vote in the House!
U.S. Representative James Moran is circulating the letter set out below to all members of the House of Representatives for their signature. Once signatures have been gathered, Rep. Moran and members of the House of Representatives will present the letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. The letter calls on Speaker Pelosi to bring the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, H.R. 503, to a vote by the full House of Representatives immediately.
Equine Welfare Alliance and Animal Law Coalition urge you to call on your U.S. representative to sign this letter now!
Visit this site to find the name and contact information for your U.S. representative in Washington:
http://www.contactingthecongress.org/ You can also call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your U.S. representative. The letter must be signed by Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010. It is best to call or fax your representative. Tell your representative that you urge him or her to sign on as a co-sponsor and contact Rep. Moran and sign the letter calling on Speaker Pelosi to schedule a vote on the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, H.R. 503. Be sure to tell your representative that you live in his or her district and ask for a copy of the letter with your representative's signature! Go here to find out if your rep is already a co-sponsor and, if so, urge him or her to sign the letter!
H.R. 503 will put an end to the slaughter of American horses. Only a federal law can stop this tragedy. As John Holland, founder and president of Equine Welfare Alliance, put it, "Horse slaughter is not a 'necessary evil', as the industry claims, it is simply evil. Now is our opportunity to resign this practice to the dust bin of American history." Find a copy of the bill here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.503:
On behalf of Equine Welfare Alliance and Animal Law Coalition, we thank you for the difference you are making for the horses.
_______________________________________________________
September xx, 2010
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Office of the Speaker of the House
H-232, The U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Madame Speaker:
We write to you in strong support of the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 503), legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption and prevent the export of live horses for the same purpose. With 183 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, 28 in the Senate, and tremendous public support, we urge you to allow this bill a vote in the House.
Equine slaughter is inhumane by nature. Horses have a fractious reaction to the stress induced by chutes, kill boxes, puntilla knives and captive bolt stun systems, causing these animals to suffer immensely and die an inhumane death. These animals are subjected to brutal transport conditions on their way to slaughter facilities. In addition, the consumption of horsemeat poses a serious public health threat as this meat contains substances banned for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Since 2005, Congress has repeatedly voted to shut down the cruel practice of horse slaughter and included appropriations language to defund the USDA inspection of horses and horsemeat as a stopgap measure until a permanent federal ban is passed. The last three horse slaughter plants on U.S. soil were closed by enforcement of state law in Texas and a recently enacted ban on horse slaughter in Illinois. As you know, California overwhelmingly banned horse slaughter over a decade ago, and the state legislature just passed a resolution in favor of passing the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act.
Still, American horses continue to be sent over the border for human consumption. Since January of this year, approximately 53,850 horses have been transported across our nation's borders into the cruelty of slaughter in Mexico and Canada. This number amounts to about 100,000 horses annually, 1,500 per week, or one every five minutes.
As cosponsors of H.R. 503, we, along with millions of Americans and animal protection organizations such as the Animal Welfare Institute and the Humane Society of the United States, urge you to bring this bill to the House floor for a vote.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of this critical legislation.
Best regards,
(U.S. Rep._______________)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Action Alert: Impeachment Follow Up
Hello everyone:
Salazar and Abbey Impeachment
The impeachment papers have been hand delivered. We have a conference call on Monday, September 20, 2010, which also happens to be my birthday.
Once that is concluded, we will release the paperwork for viewing to our members and the 580 people who signed the supporting letter.
The documents will be made public to all when we issue our press release.
There is another birthday coming up next week too. On September 22, 2010, the Int'l Fund for Horses will be seven years old.
Our celebrations will be even happier by receiving a donation, any amount (we really mean that), to help continue our work, particularly to our lobbying fund where our chief focus is horse slaughter and of course this issue.
If we have any more news, we will send it out to you as soon as we have it.
Thank you. Vivian.