Press Release.
09/07/09
Stand for the Sheldon!
The Horses that Congress Forgot
Laura Leigh
The intent of congress in 1971 was to protect all free roaming wild horses and
burros as a national resource.
USC ยงยง 1331. Congressional findings and declaration of policy
Congress finds and declares that wild free-roaming horses and burros are living
symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West; that they contribute to
the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the
American people; and that these horses and burros are fast disappearing from
the American scene. It is the policy of Congress that wild free-roaming horses
and burros shall be protected from capture, branding, harassment, or death; and
to accomplish this they are to be considered in the area where presently found,
as an integral part of the natural system of the public lands.
When this act became law, horses within the US Fish & Wildlife Service and National Parks
Service were somehow excluded from Congressional intent.
Historically Sheldon gathers have been horrific examples of chaotic
mistreatment of these magnificent horses. Often times the evidence implies a
direct route to slaughter. Whenever we see an article about the horrors of a
gather, the most frequent photo seen is from Sheldon 2006.
A stand has been made in Nevada for the horses that Congress forgot.
Many of the horses removed from Sheldon suffer severe trauma from these current
processes that involve chaotic gathers and limited options for finding
placement. A long-term implementation of new policies that take into account the
adoptability of these animals and their ultimate safety must take place. These
symbols of America must be protected and treated with the respect they deserve.
At minimum they must be afforded the same standard of "care" offered to other
wild horses living on public land.
It is this writer's opinion that ultimately the weight of that
responsibility will lie in the hands of the U.S. Senate as they consider
S.1579. American intent in the original legislation was to protect ALL of OUR
wild horses. Don't let these horses be forgotten again.
The progress of this action will be posted in the War Room.
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