Jack — We’ve got BIG news!

A federal court just ruled in favor of our lawsuit, and overturned the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) disastrous Adoption Incentive Program (AIP)—a program that funneled federally-protected wild horses and burros into the slaughter pipeline.

This landmark victory is a result of years of investigation, relentless advocacy and legal action. It’s a pivotal moment for wild horses and burros, our movement and for every advocate like you who spoke out against this cruel and unlawful program!

The court stated it was “not hard to imagine” that slaughter of wild horses could be “fairly traceable” to BLM’s AIP program. It also affirmed our legal claims that the BLM violated multiple federal laws when it implemented the AIP without proper environmental and public review.

In his opinion, the judge quoted the BLM’s own internal concerns that “[t]he easy money aspect [of the AIP] may bring out potential for fraud, abuse, and neglect,” and he wrote that the front-page expose in the New York Times, and congressional action, followed the “advocacy efforts” of the petitioners.

Friend, those advocacy efforts are thanks to you and this victory is a testament to the power of our collective advocacy. Just two days ago, on National Horse Protection Day, we received 58,000 signatures on our petition demanding an end to helicopter roundups and an investment in humane in-the-wild management. Today, we celebrate with you, and our co-plaintiffs, including Skydog Sanctuary, this major step forward in that fight.

But we also remember the lives lost—the wild horses and burros betrayed by our own government and exploited by those who profited from their suffering and sale for slaughter. This victory, above all, is for them.

Despite this victory, the fate of our wild herds remains uncertain, as the threat of mass slaughter for 66,000 wild horses and burros continues to grow. We must stay vigilant and prepare for the next battle in our mission to ensure their humane treatment and lifelong freedom.

If you can, please consider donating today to support our continued efforts to protect wild horses and burros. Every dollar donated will fund future legal actions, investigations, and advocacy work to guarantee that wild horses and burros remain protected and are not sold to the highest bidder.

Thank you for being part of this movement—let’s keep the momentum going!

— Team AWHC