Protect the Spirit of the West
Ending the Wild Horse Slaughter Pipeline
Don’t let your wild horses be next to go to slaughter. We are fighting to ensure that no American horse—wild or domestic—ever ends up on a dinner plate abroad.
Across the American West, tens of thousands of wild horses and burros—the living symbols of our nation’s untamed spirit—are being rounded up and removed from their native rangelands. These operations, often carried out using low-flying helicopters, result in extreme stress, broken families, permanent injuries, and, far too often, death.
Once captured, their freedom is stripped away. Many are sent to crowded government holding pens, but others fall through legal loopholes into the “slaughter pipeline.” From Arizona’s beloved Alpine wild horses to the herds of Nevada, these animals are being sold at auctions where they are purchased by “kill buyers” and shipped across our borders to be slaughtered for human consumption.
It is time to close the loop. It is time to end the slaughter of America’s equines forever.
Featured Film | Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West
Directed by Ashley Avis, this award-winning documentary exposes the brutal reality of helicopter roundups and the “slaughter pipeline”.
Lost Horses Initiative
The Government’s Justification:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues to claim that wild horses and burros are overpopulated and a primary cause of rangeland degradation. As of March 1, 2025, the BLM estimated that 73,130 federally protected wild horses and burros roamed public lands. They use this figure to justify aggressive removals to reach a target “Appropriate Management Level” (AML) of only 25,556 animals.
However, this target is not based on what the land can sustain, but on political agreements that favor commercial interests. Of the 245 million acres of public land managed by the BLM, 155 million acres are open to livestock grazing, while wild horses are restricted to less than 27 million acres. In many areas, cattle outnumber wild horses by at least 30 to 1, yet the horses are consistently scapegoated for overgrazing and environmental damage.
The Advocate’s Perspective:
Wild horse defenders argue that this is a crisis of policy, not biology. Public lands are being cleared of wild icons to make room for expanded livestock grazing, mining, and energy interests. By removing these animals, we disrupt delicate ecosystems where wild horses actually play a vital role—restoring balance by grazing on invasive species and dispersing nutrients that help native grasses thrive.
The betrayal of these animals continues long after they are removed from the range. While the Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) is marketed as a way to find “forever homes,” it has created a financial incentive for “kill buyers” to adopt horses, collect federal cash, and then funnel those animals into the slaughter pipeline once the title is transferred. In 2024 alone, a total of 19,195 American horses were exported to Mexico and Canada for slaughter—a terrifying reality that remains perfectly legal due to gaps in federal law.
This Is a Crisis of Compassion.
In January 2026, the situation reached a breaking point. While the BLM launched “emergency” helicopter roundups in Nevada that resulted in immediate deaths, a brutal massacre occurred in Arizona’s Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, where nine wild horses were found shot to death.
Our wild horses are being managed toward extinction—chased by helicopters, torn from their families, and left vulnerable to both bureaucratic neglect and senseless violence. These animals are not “excess inventory.” They are sentient beings with deep social bonds who belong to the American landscape. We have the power—and the responsibility—to protect them.
In 2024, a total of 19,195 American horses were exported for slaughter. In 2025, this number surged to over 24,000 animals. This “slaughter pipeline” is an escalating crisis that claims horses of every kind—from former show horses to federally protected wild mustangs. While the exact number of wild horses is often obscured once they are mixed with domestic and feral groups, investigators have already identified over 2,100 wild horses and burros in kill pens as a direct result of the federal Adoption Incentive Program.
5 STEPS TO END BRUTAL ROUNDUPS
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1. Educate & Witness
Study the plight of wild herds and watch documentaries like Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West to understand the cinematic evidence of current removals.
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2. Demand Legislative Reform
Call your federal representatives to support the SAFE Act (H.R. 1661 / S. 775) to permanently ban horse slaughter and the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act (H.R. 3656 / H.R. 4356) to ban the use of helicopters in roundups.
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3. Expose the Pipeline
Advocate for the suspension of the Adoption Incentive Program (AIP), which has seen over 2,100 protected horses identified in kill pens despite federal “protections”.
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4. Harness Social Media
Take a photo with our poster and share it using the national hashtag #istandwithwildhorses to tag your lawmakers and join the Lost Horses movement.
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5. Bear Witness to the Capture
Attend roundups and document the conditions. Be aware that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is increasingly restricting public access to view sorting and holding facilities during “emergency” operations.
🛑 What You Can Do Right Now:
The future of America’s wild horses is being decided in courtrooms and committee rooms this month.
Here is how you can make an immediate difference:
DONATE NOW
Help our campaign thrive. Raising awareness and promoting adoptions for these wild horses and burros is imperative for saving these beautiful animals.
Every bit helps! Thank you!
Support Federal Legislation (The “SAFE Act”)
Contact your U.S. Representative and Senators and urge them to co-sponsor and pass the SAFE Act (H.R. 1661 / S. 775).
The Goal: This bipartisan bill would permanently ban horse slaughter in the United States and prohibit the export of American horses for slaughter abroad.
What to Say: “I am calling to urge to support the SAFE Act. American taxpayers do not want their iconic wild and domestic horses funneled into a brutal slaughter pipeline in Mexico and Canada.”
Support the “Helicopter Ban”
Ask your federal representatives to support the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act (H.R. 4356).
The Goal: To amend the 1971 Act to prohibit the use of aircraft (helicopters) in the management of wild horses and burros.
Why: Roundups using helicopters cause extreme stress and are the leading cause of capture-related deaths.
Arizona Residents: Use the “Request to Speak” (RTS) System
If you live in Arizona, your voice has a direct impact on state bills like HB 2572 (Wild Horse Study Committee) and HB 2340 (State Ownership).
Action: Log into the Arizona Capitol RTS system to voice your support for humane management and opposition to removals.
Investigation Demand: Join the call for an independent investigation into the repeated, unsolved wild horse shootings in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
For Kids and Teens: The “Lost Horses” Letter Campaign
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2026 The Wild Beauty Foundation is collecting handwritten letters from youth to bring directly to Congress during their Washington D.C. fly-in day this spring.
Action: Have your children write a one-page letter sharing why horses matter to them and why they deserve protection.
Mail To: The Wild Beauty Foundation, 578 Washington Blvd. P.O. Box 361, Marina del Rey, CA 90292.
Speak Up for the Owyhee Complex Horses
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently conducting an “emergency” roundup in Nevada where horses have already died.
Action: Call the BLM Winnemucca District Office at (775) 623-1500.
Message: Demand an immediate halt to helicopter removals during extreme winter weather and a transition to humane on-range fertility control.
Watch and Share the Truth
Watch: Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West (Available on Apple, Amazon, and Spectrum).
Share: Post the movie trailer or the “Lost Horses” PSA set to Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and tag your lawmakers with the hashtag #istandwithwildhorses.
Every voice counts. Every action matters.
These horses can’t speak for themselves— But you can.
News & Information
Surge in Slaughter Pipeline Statistics (2025–2026):
Return to Freedom and other advocates report that at least 24,188 American equines were shipped to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada in 2025—a staggering 21% increase from the previous year.
2026 BLM Roundup Schedule & “Watch List”:
While a formal full-year schedule is pending, the BLM has confirmed that the Kiger (OR) and Salt Wells Creek (WY) herds will be targeted for removal in 2026. Advocates are also monitoring proposed roundups for the Pancake (NV) and Carter Reservoir (CA) herds, both of which are currently tied up in litigation.
Equine Advocates’ 2026 Resolution:
In January 2026, Equine Advocates President Susan Wagner announced a new focus on amending the SAFE Act to ensure it prohibits slaughter for both human and animal (pet/zoo food) consumption, closing a critical legal loophole.
Investigation:
Arizona Wild Horse Shootings (Jan 2026): The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group is formally calling for an independent investigation into the repeated, brutal shootings of wild horses in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. On January 15, 2026, nine wild horses were found shot to death in the forest, continuing a pattern of unsolved violence against the Alpine and Heber herds.
The Rewilding Debate (2026 Focus):
The controversy over chemical fertility control has expanded into a “Clash of Visions.” While some groups push for PZP and GonaCon, others, like the Wild Horse Fire Brigade, are advocating for “Rewilding”—relocating horses into wilderness areas where they can naturally reduce wildfire fuels and live without human intervention.
Undercover Investigation:
The Texas Slaughter Pipeline: Cinematic evidence from the documentary Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West has exposed how protected wild horses are funneled through Texas auctions into the hands of “kill buyers.” Filmmaker Ashley Avis’s “Lost Horses” campaign (launched Jan 2026) is using this undercover footage to rally a final push for federal reform.
Sky Valencia of St. Martin’s Animal Foundation
“When we passionately fight for the freedom of these beautiful wild horses and burros, we are fighting for our freedom too. Let FREEDOM RING!”
Executive Director for the Saint Martin’s Animal Foundation, creator of Veganized with Sky and Letha, and creator of Goldie’s Organic Dog Treats. Vegan pioneer, producer, and artist.
Fia Perera – Animal Activist, Writer / Director
“This planet is in desperate need of transformation and action taken for the defenseless animals”.
Fia has over 20 years working with NGO’s on various Campaigns to stop the Canadian seal, fighting the dog meat trade with No To Dog Meat stopping poaching in Africa with VETPAW. Fia has rescued over 70 farm animals and as a proud mother to 2 rescue horses is committed to helping end the BLM’s crusade to exterminate the last Wild Mustangs in this country.
Randal Massaro – Activist
“Fight as if their lives depend on it because it does. Stop the wild horse and burro round ups. Stop the slaughter.”
Old fashioned, a man of integrity, Randal started out from humble beginnings, worked various jobs, retired from law enforcement, but concerned about the environment and wildlife. He joined and became a Greenpeace rep, later become an actor and the National President of Union Members for the preservation of wildlife international.
Lori Alan – Voice Actor
Lori Alan is an active member of Our Planet Theirs Too, which established National Animal Rights Day (NARD)
NARD’s global events exist to commemorate the billions of animals who die every year by human hands, educate the public about the cruelty free plant-based alternatives and celebrate the progress that is being made towards ending the suffering of animals.
Sheena Gao – Musician & Activist
Sheena is a violinist, fashion designer, stylist, video producer, and a vegan world traveler. She is the founder of Facebook group Mercy for Chinese Dogs where she educates the world on Asian dog meat trade, promotes animal rights, global unitys and humanity. Sheena has also been working on animal rescue with domestic and international groups such as Animal Hope And Wellness Foundation, China Doll Rescue, Vanderpump Dogs Foundation, St. Martins Animal Foundation, ping an a fu, 812 Loyal Dog Rescue house, and Sheep Heal Project.
Lindsey Baker – Host/Producer
“None of us will be free until all are free. What hurts one hurts all. We are all connected.”
Action Hour TV – Jane Unchained News Network – SM Influencer /content creator – Rizzle.tv/u/lindseybaker
Lindsey became an vegan/activist 7 years ago when she returned to Los Angeles. She began a new career as an artist/performer for social change and conservation.
Tina Wooten – Activist
Billy McNamara – Actor
Shaurica Clark of Celestial Sister Boutique
Jennifer – Activist