Los Angeles, CA, January 21st, 2026—Writer and director Ashley Avis, known for Black Beauty (Disney+) and the upcoming film adaptations of City of Angels (Warner Bros) and American Wolf (Appian Way), has launched a powerful new initiative through her nonprofit, the Wild Beauty Foundation (WBF).
The Lost Horses campaign brings together the emotional power of film and the influence of Hollywood storytelling to spotlight the tens of thousands of horses who disappear into the slaughter pipeline each year—and to rally public support for the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R. 1661/S. 775), which would permanently ban horse slaughter in the United States and the export of horses for slaughter abroad.
The campaign PSA, is set to Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and debuts nationally on Friday, January 23rd at Sundance. The campaign features a remarkable ensemble of artists, athletes, and advocates, including Olympians Jessica Springsteen and Karl Cook, actors, Mackenzie Foy, Beth Behrs, Zosia Mamet, Pom Klementieff, Dermot Mulroney, singer and songwriter Dewey Bunnell of America, the New York Times bestselling poet Atticus and the community-based collective, Compton Cowboys, each sharing personal stories that illuminate the deep human-horse bond — and what’s at stake when it’s broken.
“The story of America’s horses is one of both profound beauty and heartbreak,” said Ashley Avis, filmmaker and founder and president of The Wild Beauty Foundation. “My hope is that through the emotional language of cinema, we can shine a light on this national tragedy—and remind people that compassion for all living beings is both powerful and necessary.”
The SAFE Act is endorsed by leading voices across animal welfare, equine, and conservation communities — including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Animal Welfare Institute, EQUUS Foundation, Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States) and The Cloud Foundation. The Lost Horses carries forward The Wild Beauty Foundation’s legacy of blending artistry and activism, giving voice to America’s horses and those who fight to protect them.
“Storytelling has the power to change hearts and change laws. As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus,” Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Florida) said, he is “proud to lead the bipartisan effort to pass the SAFE Act, legislation already supported by more than half the House that would permanently end horse slaughter in the United States and stop the export of American horses for slaughter abroad. Horses helped build this nation and continue to serve as athletes, companions and therapy animals today. I commend the Wild Beauty Foundation for using the power of cinema to shine a light on this cruelty and highlight the need to protect America’s horses.”
Over the coming year, The Lost Horses will roll out a series of short-form films, digital and traditional PSAs, and live events, each highlighting a different facet of the equine story — from wild mustangs and rescue horses to lesson ponies and Olympic athletes. Together, they weave a tapestry of empathy, responsibility, and hope.
“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, I’ve seen how deeply Nevadans care about safeguarding our wild and domestic horses,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV). “The SAFE Act will finally close the loopholes that have allowed thousands of equines to be exported for slaughter. I’m proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation and grateful to organizations like the Wild Beauty Foundation for helping the American public understand what’s at stake.”
“Wild horses and burros are part of our national heritage,” added Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9). “As a co-chairman of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus and a co-sponsor of the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, I am dedicated to preventing these animals from being sold into the slaughterhouse pipeline. A humane and compassionate approach is the best way to save them.”
“Horses have been our partners for centuries,” Avis added. “They are woven into our culture — and into who we are. They helped build this country on their backs, stood beside us in battle, and continue to serve today as athletes, companions, and therapy animals. I am proud to combine storytelling with advocacy to help protect them.”
BACKGROUND
While no commercial horse slaughterhouses currently operate in the United States, this is only because Congress has, for the last two decades, included annual language in federal appropriations bills that withholds funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture inspections of horse slaughter facilities. Without those inspections, slaughterhouses cannot legally operate. This temporary budget provision must be renewed each year — and could be reversed at any time — meaning horse slaughter could resume on U.S. soil if the language were removed.
Despite this, an estimated 20,000 American horses are still exported each year to Canada and Mexico, where they are killed for meat. Many are healthy former racehorses, show horses, or family pets who entered the pipeline through auctions or “kill buyers”. They face brutal, crowded transport conditions and, once across the border, an inhumane death — a practice condemned by veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, and the majority of Americans.
The bipartisan Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R. 1661/S. 775), reintroduced in Congress in 2025 with support from lawmakers across party lines, would permanently ban horse slaughter in the United States and prohibit the export of horses for slaughter for human consumption abroad. The legislation enjoys broad public support and represents a decisive opportunity to close the final loophole that allows America’s horses to be sold and killed overseas.
SUNDANCE 2026 PARTNERS
Amazing Horsewoman, LLC, Liberty Sanctuary, Saving Gracie’s Equine Healing Foundation, OleRose, WUF World
IN-KIND PARTNERS
Auberge Collection, Gallery MAR, Casamigos Tequila, Kettle One Vodka, Russian River Vineyards, Alpine Distilling, MAISON d’etto, Altier CG, ONE/OF, RJ Stein Photography, Kimerlee Curyl Wild Horse Fine Art, Salt & Thyme
