#United States #Malibu #Bureau of Land Management #Wild Horses #Skydog Sanctuary

Skydog Sanctuary Calls for Immediate Suspension of Wild Horse Sales Program

In a bold move that underscores its commitment to protecting wild horses, Skydog Sanctuary has made a public appeal for the immediate halt of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Sale Authority program. This urgent demand comes on the heels of a shocking investigative report published by The New York Times, which has confirmed suspicions that federally protected wild horses and burros are being funneled into commercial slaughter operations through this federal program.

Established as the largest national voice advocating for the protection of wild horses and burros, Skydog Sanctuary is driven by its dedication to safeguarding these majestic creatures from harm and exploitation. In a formal letter addressed to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Clare Staples, founder and president of the sanctuary, reached out on behalf of the organization’s 1.5 million supporters, calling for immediate action to suspend the BLM's sales initiative. The concern centers around allegations that the BLM has been neglecting to uphold federal laws that prohibit the sale of wild horses for the purpose of commercial slaughter.

“After months of relentless documentation, analysis of BLM sales records, and monitoring placement events, we are proud to see our findings supported in The New York Times,” stated Clare Staples. “This investigation has verified our on-the-ground observations: the BLM’s Sale Authority program is diverting our protected wild horses and burros into the slaughter pipeline.”

In addition to calling for a suspension of the program, Staples criticized the BLM for claiming that slaughter was off the table while simultaneously enabling it through third-party channels. She emphasized that the federal agency could undertake simple measures to rectify the situation but has opted to ignore crucial issues impacting these animals, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.

Staples recalled the restrictions placed on the BLM’s Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) back in March 2025, which were intended to close loopholes but inadvertently led to an increase in the sales program that is now under scrutiny.

Disturbing Findings from Skydog's Investigation

The investigations conducted by Skydog over the previous year revealed alarming trends:

• - Record Sales Numbers: The BLM sold a staggering 6,331 wild horses within 19 months, significantly surpassing its historical average of approximately 1,200 sales annually. Shockingly, more than half of these horses (55.4%) were young, highly adoptable animals aged between 1 and 4 years.
• - Neglected Complaints: Skydog filed eight formal complaints with the BLM, presenting documented violations concerning the sales of wild horses. Despite providing evidence, the BLM took no actions. Similarly, Skydog’s requests for investigations went unanswered by the Interior Office of Inspector General (OIG).
• - Predatory Pricing and Buyer Rings: A concerning 72% of the horses sold were at prices of $25 or below. Furthermore, many sales were made in bulk to individuals suspected of participating in organized buying rings, raising significant red flags regarding the integrity of the sales process.
• - Rapid Reselling to Kill Pens: Skydog was able to track 333 wild horses purchased from BLM adoption events that were rapidly resold to kill pens, contradicting signed contracts that prohibit such actions. The BLM has yet to impose any penalties on these violations, showcasing a lack of accountability.
• - Taxpayer-Funded Sales to Slaughter: In a troubling development, the BLM awarded a bulk sales contract to a livestock trader, who acquired 496 wild horses while taxpayers covered transportation fees, shortly after being cited for prior violations in federal law.

“Such actions represent a shocking betrayal of both the law and the American populace, who invest about $140 million annually to protect these animals only to have their futures sold so cheaply to slaughter,” Staples lamented.

About Skydog Sanctuary

Skydog Sanctuary is devoted to rescuing and protecting wild horses and burros. With a following of 1.5 million, the organization currently provides sanctuary to hundreds of rescued animals across locations in Malibu and Santa Ynez, California, as well as a sprawling 9,000-acre ranch in Oregon. Through direct intervention, Skydog has managed to save over 30 wild horses from the Sale Authority pipeline, offering some permanent sanctuary while partnering with reputable rescue organizations for others.

As this issue gains attention, Skydog Sanctuary remains resolute in its mission to confront the harsh realities of the Wild Horse and Burro Program and ensure that these vulnerable animals are given the protection they rightfully deserve.

For additional information, high-resolution media, and video footage illustrating the rescue efforts, contact Clare Staples directly at (310) 850-8849 or [email protected]
For further inquiries, Suzanne Roy can also be reached at 919-697-9389 or via email at [email protected]