Subject:

Salutation:

The Bureau of Land Management continues to misuse the U.S. Wild Horse and Burro Program. I implore elected officials to intervene -- and stop -- the seizure of our nation's last wild herds. In early January 2010, BLM "managed" thousands of horses in Nevada's Calico Mountains by corralling them in subzero temperatures. With low-flying helicopters overhead, horses ran until drenched in sweat. Once subdued, sweat can freeze on their bodies and lead to respiratory illness or death. Photographer Kurt Golgart unwittingly conveyed the horses' fear in his image published in NY Times. With bulging eyes, the horses blow steam from their noses that hangs in the frigid air. BLM's 2010 Round-Up Schedule calls for the capture of 12,000 wild horses and burros. Most taxpayers do not want to foot BLM's $32 million bill. The Calico Complex removal exemplifies core problems with the agency. After the same herd was corralled in 2005, all mares among the estimated 575 horses left on the range received contraceptive vaccines. Today, BLM argues that 3,000 horses roam the area. It is outlandish to assert that a small herd controlled with contraception quintupled in size in less than five years. In fact, residents accustomed to the herd claim numbers are far lower. For years, BLM has crowded American horses and burros in federal holding. The agency impounds more animals than it can adopt out. Consequently, some wind up on the auction block, sold to "killer-buyers," and trucked to foreign kill floors. This is neither fiscally nor ethically responsible. I hope the Justice Department intensifies its investigation of BLM and the current administration stops this agency's disgraceful tactics. Moreover, I urge the White House and Congress to advocate passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act (ROAM) that renews protections originally granted in 1971. Passage of this bill would keep these magnificent creatures where they belong -- on public, Western rangelands. I am counting on your support and look forward to your reply. Sincerely, <YOUR FIRST and LAST NAME> <YOUR ADDRESS <YOUR COUNTRY>