Judge Rules against BLM’s Cash Incentive Program for Wild Horse Adoptions
A federal judge in Colorado has ruled that the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) for wild horses and burros violates federal law. The court found that the program lacked necessary public comment and environmental reviews and that the $1,000 incentive per animal created a dangerous loophole, leading to abuses — including the very real risk of animals being sold to slaughterhouses. This decision effectively halts the program until the BLM conducts proper assessments and establishes stronger safeguards.
This is a victory for the off-range protection of America’s wild horses & burros!
Congratulations to our friends at American Wild Horse Conservation, Skydog Sanctuary, and Carol Walker!
This victory comes as a result of a lawsuit filed by Eubanks & Associates, PLLC on behalf of these organizations and other petitioners. They argued that the BLM’s Adoption Incentive Program created a perverse financial incentive that led to the unnecessary suffering and slaughter of federally protected wild horses and burros.
This ruling marks a critical step forward in ensuring stronger off-range protections for America’s wild horses and burros.
The fight continues, but today, let’s celebrate this historic victory!
The Cloud Foundation
www.thecloudfoundation.org
