JohnRich 4 #1 November 18, 2008 News:Government delays decision on killing wild horses The U.S. Bureau of Land Management will round up fewer wild horses and try to shuffle funds within the agency to hold off for now on killing large numbers of the animals in an effort to control herds and spiraling costs, an official said Monday. About 33,000 wild horses roam the open range in 10 Western states, half of those in Nevada. The horses and burros are managed by the BLM and protected under a 1971 law enacted by Congress. The agency, which set a target "appropriate management level" of 27,000 horses in the wild to protect the herd, the range and other foraging animals, rounds up excess horses and offers them for adoption. Those too old or considered unadoptable are sent to long-term holding facilities. In all, the agency is caring for about the same number of horses in holding pens as there are on the range. The agency faces a crisis because of the skyrocketing costs of caring for the horses in long-term facilities where the animals live out their days - some for as long as 20 years. A report released last week by the Government Accountability Office said the BLM this year will spend about $27 million - about three-fourths of its budget - caring for the animals. Continuing current practices would require a budget of $58 million next year, escalating to $77 million in 2012, BLM estimated. The report also noted that the BLM has authority to kill or sell excess horses without restriction from slaughter. Government roundups will be limited to about 5,000 horses and mostly involve animals facing severe hardship because of conditions such as drought...Source: My Way News Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 917 #2 November 18, 2008 They have been given a reprieve. Mrs. T. Boone Pickens has saved them. If they're wild horses, why can't they remain free? Given, I know nothing about horses. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #3 November 18, 2008 Is there a link you can provide presenting evidence wild horses are overpopulated? You know like other than the BLM saying they are.Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrewwhyte 1 #4 November 18, 2008 I presume the main reason they just don't leave them to their own devices is that ranchers don't want the increase in cougar and wolf populations that will result from an overpopulation of prey species. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 3 #5 November 18, 2008 Quote - Manage the herd size for the benefit of all just like other wild species - Leave the horses alone, let nature take its course, damn the consequences - Do you have some other ideas? Glad to see this poll does nothing to suggest a preferred answer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #6 November 18, 2008 Hey John, are you going to post about how the BLM is going to put oil drilling about half a mile from some of the most fragile national parks._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
caress 0 #7 November 18, 2008 America (among other countries) was made what it is now on the backs of horses. I think that they deserve our respect and thanks, and to be treated, and thought of well. I know that there are alot of things that are to be considered about whether or not they should be managed or left alone, I for one would like to see them left alone unless it is absolutly necessary to intervene.-Caress I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #8 November 19, 2008 As a horse owner, I cringe at the thoughts of a 'Mustang Hunt'. I think, they should be left alone. Nature will run it's course. The sick and weak will either die-off or, will become prey... which is exactly what a horse is... prey. Horses have survived thousands of years, since they were only 12 - 14" high. They are true survivors! My thoughts are, we should quit messing with nature. Let nature take it's course. The mustang will take care of itself. When man gets involved, that's when it all goes wrong. Maybe, folks who are truly concerned about wild horses and burros could contact the BLM and see what they can do to help the situation. Horses are not 'native' to this country and since they were brought here, we should take care of them. There are, other ways to deal with their over-population. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Misternatural 0 #9 November 19, 2008 I had a mustang for a while,named Copper- that was the toughest bugger ever-never got sick, survived the tough NE winters like it was no big deal and only had a visit from the vet once- when a pit bull got loose and bit him on his shlong sheath (gelding) that horse kicked the dog right square in the head and killed it instantly- the vet said "have you been cleaning the wound? i said "you get over here and see if you want to clean that wound" he survived that and lasted for 25 years. I rode him as much as I could stand it as he tried to kill me twice....best horse ever! I recommend adoption if anyone gets the chance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #10 November 19, 2008 That's quite a story! I've seen the results of a lot of hard work and maintaining of self control in regard to mustangs and some incredible results. I believe in adoption... strongly! With 'drop-in' visits from a BLM rep. The reason I say that is, I have seen many adopted mustangs who were crammed three to a (small) stall, no pasture to graze and old, nasty hay to eat. Never let-out, never worked just standing there. You could count their ribs from a long distance. I happened to run into a BLM person and mentioned these horses (total of 7) and they were quickly removed from those conditions and placed in better circumstances. I've seen mustangs that were damned good cow horses, roping horses and so-on. I whole-heartedly, agree with you on the idea of adoption. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #11 November 19, 2008 QuoteAs a horse owner, I cringe at the thoughts of a 'Mustang Hunt'. I think, they should be left alone. Nature will run it's course. Now, don't go talking all logical and scholarly. You know how that will upset some people that just want excuses to shoot something._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #12 November 19, 2008 Quote Quote As a horse owner, I cringe at the thoughts of a 'Mustang Hunt'. I think, they should be left alone. Nature will run it's course. Now, don't go talking all logical and scholarly. You know how that will upset some people that just want excuses to shoot something. That 'dawned' on me... just shortly after hitting the 'Post Reply' key!Besides... they have plenty of other creatures to shoot at! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 3 #13 November 19, 2008 If I could get me a pristine '67 Mustang, I'd be in 7th Heaven. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 917 #14 November 19, 2008 '66 FASTBACK!!!! damn I miss that 'rod!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy_Copland 0 #15 November 19, 2008 As a kid, horses provided me pocket money and a learning experience. I can't help but have a soft spot for them. I'll never forget my first time getting thrown, first time jumping successfully and for some strange reason the first time i saw them fuck.1338 People aint made of nothin' but water and shit. Until morale improves, the beatings will continue. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #16 November 19, 2008 Yeah, Buddy! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #17 November 19, 2008 I can recall being thrown a couple times, myself. I still have the limp to remind me! I couldn't imagine not having a horse in my life. As for watching them breed... I've done that too. As a witness that the stallion and mare did in fact complete the act. Horses are truly, magnificent creatures and extremely intelligent. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #18 November 19, 2008 and for some strange reason the first time i saw them fuck. I realized, we have both watched horses fuck! That's just SICK!Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 3 #19 November 19, 2008 QuoteI couldn't imagine not having a horse in my life. As for watching them breed... I've done that too. Is your wife OK with this? Not that there's anything wrong with it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DJL 235 #20 November 19, 2008 "If they're wild horses, why can't they remain free? " No such thing. They're a domestic species that got loose. Any other animal that isn't cute enough to play a supporting role to Tobey Maguire would be rounded up and turned into glue. They should bring in the whole herd and put saddles on them and then free up that money for real conservation work."I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 3 #21 November 19, 2008 But seriously, guys, I do think JohnR's original question deserves a serious answer: Why shouldn't herds of feral horses be managed just like feral herds of any other species in the wild? (Controlled deer hunts to cull and manage population are the example that comes to mind.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #22 November 19, 2008 Don't much care either way, but if the population is controlled via organized hunts, they must use the meat and not waste anything they harvest. Let the prisons buy it. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy_Copland 0 #23 November 19, 2008 I was young, it mentally scared me for life. Brutal, fucking brutal 1338 People aint made of nothin' but water and shit. Until morale improves, the beatings will continue. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #24 November 20, 2008 Quote Quote I couldn't imagine not having a horse in my life. As for watching them breed... I've done that too. Is your wife OK with this? Not that there's anything wrong with it. Oh yeah! As a matter of fact, she was there too. The results was a damn fine looking little chestnut colored stud colt. Pretty kinky shit... huh?Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #25 November 20, 2008 It's not so bad, when you're older. It's just nature, after all. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
