On the recordFebruary 8, 2022
In efforts to control equine populations, the BLM is directed to humanely capture wild, free-roaming horses and burros and put them up for adoption. BLM, however, uses helicopter companies to round up these animals, leading to frightening and sometimes deadly situations. At $500 a head, since 2011, the top three helicopter contractors have raked in some $37 million in taxpayer funding. Last month, during a gathering at the Pancake Complex in central Nevada, a young colt was chased for miles by a helicopter, despite having a broken leg, and had to be put down when captured. My Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act would outlaw the use of helicopters in wild horse roundups, employ more traditional wranglers for gathering efforts, and require the GAO to employ and explore humane alternatives to protect these icons of the wild west. Mr. Speaker, put simply, save a horse, hire a cowboy. ____________________
