‘The Wild Horse Is Us’

All I have to say is "They dare not!" We inhabitants of this earth were charged ages ago to be stewards of this marvelous planet, To date, we have bungled the job miserably through self-interest, political ambition, and unethical capitalistic greed. Maybe, there is still time for us to redeem ourselves by "un-horsing" greed, our contemptible sense of entitlement, and misplaced priorities. Let's dial back on the "buy two, get one free," "it's only one plastic bag," "but I love my gas hog and by ___ I deserve to drive it," and "but I need to make a bundle of money on corn so that third world countries can starve" mentalities and focus on preserving our beautiful world for future generations. Remember the statement "stop the world, I want to get off?" Well, if we don't change our ways soon, there will soon be no world of consequence left to leave.

Why, do we a country that probably owes it's history to the horse, feel the need to kill this wonderful animal? So something is no longer usefull to some of us, when will this horrible idea be applied to the Old, sick, handicapped? What is wrong with just the wild beauty and freedom, isn't that kind of like killing our own wild beauty and freedom? No this should not happen, these animals can be adopted or left alone.

Sorry, Tony, but these horses aren't 'wild' in the sense that you refer to them as. They didn't 'survive' the ice age in the Americas. They were brought here in the 16th century by the Spaniards.

That being said, I agree that euthanasia is not the answer.

Leave the horses alone and let them run free. Perhaps set them up in a refuge like they do other animals that have had their habitat over run by "man". We spend all of this money every year on illegal immigrants and various programs to help THEM out - why not help the ancestors of one creatures who has been in America a heckuva lot longer than the illegals? Why not GIVE the horses to people who want to raise and care for them - not to people who would slaughter them.

No wonder we are a "disposable" society.... makes me sick to think my tax dollars are being used for something as horrible as this...the killing of innocent animals......

I agree. This is a terrible article. Horses are no more native here than any other livestock animal. They most definitely were not here during the ice-age. One would think that someone would've reviewed this article before it hit the press. I suppose not in this instance. I know that any other article that I read by Tony Dokoupil will be taken with a grain of salt. These animals may be a symbol of the American West, but the fact of the matter is that they are not a native species and do not belong here in the wild. Best land management practices must be used to control these animals since we have exterpated all of the predators that would normally keep this population under control. You may not like it, but every agency whether public or private has a budget. You have to use the best means of control that fit your budget and gets the job done. Sometimes that means using management practices that are not preferred, but necessary. Just because a non-native animal is a "symbol" and considered "majestic" means nothing in this case since it's non-native. Here's another point for you, how many populations of native species has the mustang poulation hurt due to its habits over the years? Native animals should always take priority over non-natives. Those animals actually belong here.

How can you trust someone who cannot even get there facts straight in the first sentence. Horses came from Europe (originally from the Ukraine). How much does he even know about this topic? Just another over sensationalizing writer.

This is so governement over management, some pencile head thinks he can manage things because that's what he learned in school, well guess what school is not the only learning place, lets try history.
This country has managed so much that is why we are in the mess we have right now. LEAVE THE HORSES ALONE.
They have been here for hundreds of years and that's what has keep nature inline, When you start taking
away what has been put here for a reason you loss more than you can ever know.
Why dont we take get rid of anything wild that someone who thinks management is the way to go and see what happens than. Our governement has over managed stop it leave what you dont know alone

As usual, George Bush Jr. is showing America just how retarded he is.

The funny thing is that only about 3% of the cattle that graze the public lands is actually used in American food chain. The rest is shipped other places in the world. We don't even eat more than most of the meat grazed on the public lands. Americans eat used up dairy cows! Glad I don't eat it any more.

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro.html
look around here

Euthanize BLM bosses, not the mustangs. These horses are a living link to our heritage and deserve our protection. More than can be said for our politicians. BLM worried about budget cuts? Cut their own salaries and perks. While they're at it, they can get rid of all of the deadwood in their department.

I grew up on a ranch in Elko County, Nevada. Back in the late 50's my father bought 6 Mustangs that were slated to be slaughtered for dog food. He gave the smaller horses to my brother and I; we tamed them and really came to adore our small horses. It never fails to boggle my mind the audacity of the BLM. Why do they think they have the right to kill something as much a part of the West as the Mustangs. Should the BLM be allowed to do this evil deed? HELL NO!!!!!!!!!

Regardless of opinions, I think everyone who posted a comment should visit the website of an exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History. Here's the link http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/horse
Also, keep in mind that I believe we should preserve the herds of our western states even if they aren't direct descendants of true native horses. Are you all direct descendants of indigenous peoples? Letting the herds roam free is the best control we can offer at this time. Don't round them up; don't sterilize them; don't euthanize the older ones. Nature will run it's course.