Kay Bayley Hutchison

This is a response from Kay Bayley Hutchison in the efforts of saving horses who shouldn't be trailing you around Houston when YOU CAN WALK WITH YOUR OWN TWO LEGS!

 

Dear Friend:

     Thank you for contacting me regarding the removal of wild horses and burros from federal lands.  I welcome your thoughts and comments on this issue.

 

     H.R. 1018 was introduced by Representative Nick J. Rahall II on January 12, 2009.  This bill seeks to amend the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 by prohibiting the sale or transfer for commercial product processing of any free-roaming horse or burro on U.S. public land.  In addition, H.R. 1018 seeks to repeal the provisions permitting the sale of certain excess animals or their remains and to exclude from criminal fine or imprisonment a person who processes or permits the processing of such animals' remains.

 

     According to the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, wild horses and burros are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service.  Wild horses and burros on public rangelands are managed in accordance with BLM's multiple use mission which takes into consideration natural resources, wildlife, vegetation, livestock, and recreation.  This policy has been revised in order to balance the appropriate number of wild horses the public lands can sustain and to enhance our ability to place those animals into private care.  It is important that BLM continue its review of the National Wild Horse and Burro Program to ensure that abuse and negligence to those wild horses and burros are eliminated.

 

     One of the Bureau's greatest challenges is to optimize land practices, without sacrificing efficient management.  I will work to ensure the BLM continues to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the enjoyment of generations to come.  H.R. 1018 passed the House of Representatives on July 17, 2009, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources but was not considered by the full Senate prior to the adjournment of the 111th Congress.  Should this legislation be reintroduced in the 112th Congress, you may be certain I will keep your views in mind.

 

     I appreciate hearing from you and hope you will not hesitate to keep in touch on any issue of concern to you.

 

Sincerely,

Kay Bailey Hutchison

United States Senator