(June 14, 2024) A few weeks ago the Wild Beauty team headed to Washington, DC to meet with decision makers. Our mission was clear: to educate Members of Congress about the plight of wild horses, the abuse they suffer, and to garner signatures for H.R. 3656, the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act.
From left: Ashley Avis, Diane Lane, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
This vital bi-partisan bill, led by Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN), and David Schweikert (R-AZ) aims to end the use of helicopters in cruel and outdated roundups, thereby preventing the needless deaths of so many wild horses each year. In 2024, there is no justification for human beings to chase highly intelligent, federally protected flight animals with low-flying machines.
We are thrilled to share that we met with over twenty Members of Congress, and several of them agreed to co-sponsor the bill during our meetings. We are particularly appreciative Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Representative Maria Salazar (R-FL) for officially co-sponsoring H.R. 3656! Actor Diane Lane (Inside Out 2, Justice League, Secretariat) and filmmaker and WBF founder, Ashley Avis visited Congresswoman Salazar’s office on April 29th to discuss the cruelty of helicopter roundups and the urgent need for change. The Congresswoman was not only moved by their presentation but took immediate action to support the bill.
From left: Diane Lane, Ashley Avis, Congresswoman Salazar (R-FL)
We are incredibly thankful to Diane Lane and singer-songwriter Dewey Bunnell (America the Band) for their invaluable support in this mission. We also extend our gratitude to Western Watersheds Project for their continued work with WBF in dispelling myths about wild horses and revealing the truth about the livestock industry on public lands.
In the evening, during a private event within the Capitol, we had the honor of showcasing a five-minute video that starkly illustrated the outdated and cruel practice of helicopter roundups. The reactions from Congress were overwhelmingly ones of disgust and shock upon learning that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is subjecting our federally protected wild horses to such inhumane treatment. All of this to shed light on the critical importance of passing H.R. 3656, The Wild Horse & Burro Protection Act.
Meaningful change can take time, and we are committed to this cause for the long haul. Thank you for being part of this journey and for standing with wild horses. Together, we can make a difference!
