A national conference for people interested in the plight of America’s wild horses and burros who continue to be brutally rounded up by our government has been in the planning stages for over two years, and it’s finally happening this April 26-30 in Washington, D.C. 

This Save Our Wild Horses event will bring people together in a professional setting from all over the country. Participants will range from knowledgeable and experienced wild horse and burro advocates to those just learning about the issues who want to make a difference. The intent is to encourage organizations and individuals to work together as we fight to protect these cherished animals.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service remove ever-increasing numbers of wild horses and burros from our public lands, designated by law for their “principal use.” This year alone, the BLM plans to round up 22,000 wild horses. 

Helicopter roundups cause panicked wild horses to run for many miles over rough terrain in weather conditions ranging from bitter cold to intense heat. The animals are run mercilessly into small traps where some die, slamming into the panels. Roundup-related injuries and deaths are rampant.

Wild horses of the American West are hellishly rounded up because ranchers want our public land resources for their own personal profit. They hold a mighty sway over our government agencies in charge of public lands. Time after time, hundreds of wild horses are removed from their public land only to be replaced by thousands of exploited cattle and sheep.

For people across the country, the Save Our Wild Horses Conference is an opportunity to come together in the nation’s capital to address these critical issues. Expert speakers are on the schedule, including two U.S. representatives. Also speaking will be In Defense of Animals’ Wild Horse and Burro Campaign Director Ginger Fedak. Participants will take part in this week-long educational conference, then assemble at the National Mall on Saturday, April 30 for a rally. The Saturday assembly will gain attention from lawmakers, the media, and the public about the concerns wild horse supporters have regarding the Wild Horse and Burro Program. 

If you would like to learn more about the inhumane and unfair situation wild horses are in so that you can help them, plan to join us there!  

Can’t make it? Learn more here and support our efforts.