The U.S. Bureau of Land Management faces a herculean task in trying to control the population of wild horses and burros in the West. But at least the bureau, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is not taking the easy way out. With public opinion firmly on the side of the animals, the bureau quickly decided against killing the 45,000 in custody.
An advisory commission last week proposed killing or selling the animals for slaughter. The idea was devoid of humanity and common sense. Quite correctly, the Humane Society of the United States called it "unhinged advice."
With criticism mounting, the bureau quickly shelved the proposal. They may not realize it, but those who rallied to the animals' defense have won only half the battle. They must keep the heat on so the government redoubles efforts to address the underlying issue of population control.
From the wild horses in the West to the exploding seal population in Cape Cod to the well-publicized deer problems elsewhere, federal and state wildlife agencies repeatedly have failed to keep animal populations under control.
In some places where nature's scales are out of balance, consumers must accept a share of the blame. Development certainly has contributed to suburban deer problems. Still, wildlife management agencies receive millions and millions of taxpayer dollars each year to keep populations in check. The job isn't getting done.
Editorial on 09/22/2016