Massacres of wild horses in the West in recent years represent an extremely troubling chapter in the history of conflict between wild horses, humans and other wildlife. The latest tragedy was a massacre in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, in which at least 25 horses lost their lives. 

Wild horse advocates allege that the horses are vulnerable to these random acts of violence because the Forest Service isn’t doing enough to protect the horses on its lands. Free-roaming horses are normally designated as “wild horses” by the Bureau of Land Management and they have historic legal protection under the 1971 Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. Advocates argue that the Forest Service’s choice to classify them as “unauthorized livestock” has left them without federal protections and made it more likely they will suffer violence. 

Why Are Free-Roaming Horses the Center of Conflict?

Conflicts over wild horses have been an issue for years. In many cases, ranchers have sparred with the Bureau of Land Management to get horses removed from their land. The conflict revolving around the Arizona wild horses also incudes other wildlife advocates and hunters. The Forest Agency has planned to remove the wild horses because, it says they cause problems for native plants and animals, destroy watersheds and negatively impact ecosystems. A coalition of wildlife advocates and hunters support the removal of the horses due to their impacts on other animals that are federally listed and threatened species. 

Redefining Conflict

The conflict surrounding wild horses is often driven by deeper divisions surrounding how to define and manage America’s wild horses. Many advocates for horses defend their historical right to roam freely. Others argue that many of the wild horses are descendants of domestic horses and don’t have a historic presence or right to the land.

The slaughter of the 14 horses is symbolic of how bitter these conflicts can be. As a protected animal, the horse draws ire from groups whose priorities are farming or other wildlife. Animal Rights mediation can remove the stigma attached to wild horses and encourage communication that can be more neutral.

Animal Rights mediation is a smart way of identifying common goals and moving beyond entrenched viewpoints and definitions held by an individual or organization. The killings of wild horses indicate a much worse problem than the horses’ unwanted presence: an individual or group who is willing to carry out random violent acts. This is a problem that authorities must tackle in the short term, but long-term ways to protect horses and habitats can be found by turning to animal rights mediation.

A Common Goal: Protecting Horses, Protecting Wildlife

Working towards the common goal of protecting the horses could involve solutions in which the horses are managed with humane fertility methods, and those in particularly vulnerable areas are removed to less fragile habitats. It may also require a public campaign that condemns the killings, supports the horses and involves members of the community in managing and protecting the horses. 

At Boileau Conflict Solutions, we find that when the community is on board, solutions are implemented more effectively and consensus leads to positive actions. Often when conflicts break out between animal advocates, valuable information is lost which could protect all animals. Animal rights advocates are all experts in their field, and this expertise can be brought to bear in finding solutions that will protect all animals and habitats. 

At Boileau Conflict Solutions, we are animal rights mediators who work with complex conflicts involving animals and ecosystems where there are many environmental and economic factors to consider. We help parties work towards solutions that are greater than conflicts by highlighting common preservation and conservation goals. Our deep knowledge of conflict, math and the law also assists us in modeling solutions that could incorporate innovative funding sources, flexible agreements and the support of local authorities. We have offices in Bozeman, Montana, San Diego, CA, Silicon Valley, CA and Berkeley, CA but are available for mediations nationwide. Please contact us to learn how animal rights mediation can help to de-escalate your animal conflict.