The topic of horse slaughter is an extremely popular topic around rodeos, horse sales, shows, etc.  This is a topic a rodeo queen contestant should be well versed on.  Another topic surrounding this issue: BLM’s involvement with the wild horse rescue program. 

The federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced in late June 2008 that it can no long afford to care for the number of animals it has rounded up.  The proposed solution?  To euthanize some of the animals to deal with the surplus.  About 30,000 horses are currently being kept by the agency at facilities in Oklahoma and Kansas.  Due to drought conditions in recent years, the BLM has stepped up roundup efforts and the agency’s Adopt-A-Horse program has not been able to find homes for the additional horses.

Interview/Impromptu questions that could come from this - Should we leave the wild horses alone?  How can the BLM step up adoptions of these horses?  Is the BLM making the right decision with the euthanization of these horses considering the current controversy with horse slaughter?

Facts on current horse slaughter issue -
Human consumption horse slaughter plants in US have been closed.
Horses can still be transported across borders (Canada and Mexico) for slaughter.
Slaughtered horses are shipped to Europe and Asia for consumption - and considered a rare delicacy.

Facts on this topic are endless.  Research and understand both sides.  Have you talked to your state representatives?  How does your state stand on this issue?

Resources - Information about the BLM was obtained from “Cowgirl Living” September/October 2008

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