Please, make the call before your Reps go on Holiday Recess and help STOP abuse!

This week we are focused on funding for rulemaking for welfare policy. BLM has a failing internal standard that is not enforced and complied with when convenient. Rulemaking is happening now for exotic animals on exhibit. Congress can designate that funding be utilized to formalize BLMs handling policy (as it should have been) through public rulemaking.

This is a simple request, easily accomplished and should not be a controversial subject: How can anyone not agree that BLM needs a formal and enforceable welfare rule? Saying they don't is tantamount to endorsing abuse. If BLM says they are "humane" then creating enforceable rules should not be a problem. It is mind boggling that big cash lobbyists won't ask for this and instead just focus on "population growth suppression" without and humane handling rules. If your rep endorsed the last budget... you can ask why they won't add humane handling rulemaking for on range, during capture and in holding facilities? 

Congress needs to hear from you, literally. 

Please dial (202) 224-3121 for the U.S. House switchboard operator. A U.S. Capitol Switchboard operator can also connect you directly with the Senate office. (202) 224-3121.

This means you have to make 2 calls (or more if you have more than one Senator). Call the number and ask for your House Rep and then call and ask for your Senator. If you do not know who your House or Senate Rep is, the operator should be able to help you. OR you can click HERE to find your reps by just putting in your zip code. 

The script is simple:

I would like you to propose an amendment to add a budget line item solely devoted to make the BLM wild horse and burro welfare policy (currently referenced as "CAWP") into an enforceable rule. The internal program is not creating an environment where wild horses and burros are treated according to safe, sane and current animal husbandry practices to ensuring steps are taken to prevent injury and death.

BLM never opened a humane handling policy to public participation and revision through rulemaking. 

Please, add a budget item to ensure the safety of wild horses and burros. This amendment should not be a controversial. We should all agree that there must be enforceable welfare policy.

Thank you. 

You can say the first paragraph, all of it, or use your own words. 

Right now, Congress is dealing with calls on subjects ranging from wars overseas, health care and more. Our opposition uses simple, one subject requests with little context (i.e. population growth suppression through removal and a vague definition of fertility control). In order to get something into the bill (that has nearly been finalized) we need to keep it as simple as we can. 

Our team is working to try to get Congress to see sanity in this simple amendment. Your calls will help! 

After the budget is finalized in February for the rest of the year, we will begin to push all of the reforms needed again as we enter an election year. (Note: The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act was passed in an election year.)

Please, if we want to change the things we see during roundups and in holding facilities, we must gain an enforceable welfare policy. Can you please make this one call this week? No amount of fertility control, rescue or exposure through movies is going to STOP the abuse and neglect we witness. Please take action to help gain movement in this very specific layer of advocacy. 

Thank you.