Last week I told you a bit about what it was like to grow up in a world of horses and ponies and riding and passing that love from mother to daughter. I also told you about how I learned why we need to save America’s Mustangs – and the dangers that they are facing.
I have also officially added a visit to the Mustang Monument in Arizona to my bucket list – it sounds like a an incredible tribute and I can’t wait to see it in person someday.
So let’s go over some important facts about why these beautiful symbols of America are in danger. Anyone with a moral fiber in their body as well as all American taxpayers need to take note – and join this push to make sure the right call is made.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is an agency within the United States Department of the Interior that administers America’s public lands, totaling approximately 253 million acres. The BLM’s stated mission is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. (Wikipedia) 110 years ago there were 2 million mustangs roaming free. Now, there are approximately 30,000 wild mustangs roaming the country. They are not protected from government (BLM) roundups. In 1971, the Wild Horse and Burro Act ruled that these animals should be protected under federal law and belong to the American people, which is why our voice counts for so much.
American horses are being sold to killer buyers who slaughter these animals in various parts of the world for financial gain. Recent legislation just passed making it not illegal to slaughter horses in the United States.
The horses belong to the American people. The wild horses are just managed by the government (BLM), but the BLM doesn’t own them. Americans should continue to have a say as to what happens to their horses and we encourage all of our supporters to Take Action through the website, http://www.
There are SO MANY WAYS that you can help these beautiful creatures. I am going to list them all below – pick one or several (or all!) – the choice is up to you. ANYTHING you can do WILL help –
:: You can take action and support this cause at SavingAmericasMustangs.org
:: Contact your local legislators to petition for the cause
:: Contact Nevada state senator Harry Reid and voice your concern.
:: Contact Federal legislators and voice your concern:
Secretary Salazar (US Secretary of the Interior)
John Boehner (Speaker of the House)
:: Follow Mustang Monument on Facebook for updates.
:: Follow Madeleine Pickens on Twitter for updates.
:: Join us for a Twitter party on 8/22/12 at 1 pm est – there will be prizes to be won! RSVP here.
:: Take action through the Humane Society
Is is so important that we join together and fight for this cause!
:: It’s all about grassroots to make a definitive change for our wild mustangs. Many Americans aren’t even aware that the mustangs belong to the American people and should be protected.
:: Animal rights advocate or not, you should care that your hard earned tax dollars (upwards of $85 million per year for the removal and holding of these wild horses) are being spent to pay ranchers to round up the mustangs into holding pens where there is no accountability for their living conditions. Madeline at the Mustang Monument could house these horses at almost 4x less the cost and save the American Taxpayer millions each year. Please get behind this issue and speak up for these innocent animals with no voice of their own. Currently there are 45,000 wild horses in federally funded holding facilities where these horses will live the remainder of their lives cooped up if not sold off and shipped to slaughter in the middle of the night.
Our wild mustang should be a national treasure. The horses have no natural predator. Their only predator is mankind, when we do the wrong thing. – Madeleine Pickens
I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Saving America’s Mustangs. #CBias #SocialFabric All opinions and the insane amount of passion for the protection of these amazing horses is 100% my own.