[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H1024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
WILD HORSE AND BURRO PROTECTION ACT
(Ms. TITUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, 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.
____________________