Euthanasia for Pre-Existing Conditions Should be Curtailed
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) guidelines for euthanasia are excessively broad for animals processed after roundup. The BLM claim to focus on minimizing suffering rather than pre-existing conditions. Many times the public observes animals executed for benign, non-life-threatening conditions like a Cremello. The BLM often reports blue eyed horses are euthanized immediately upon capture due to potential eye disease and blindness.
Cremello horses are the result of two cream dilution genes coming into contact. If two horses with the cream gene breed, there is a 25% chance that a foal will have both the cream genes and a Cremello color. Cremellos are solid white with light blue eyes, and will only produce palomino and smokey black when bred to horses that do not carry the cream gene.
Cremello horses can be found in any breed, including Shetland ponies, Draft horses, and Quarter Horses. They are more expensive than a standard bay or chestnut horse, and the price depends on the breeding and level of training it has had.
Cremello horses have been highly prized for their unique appearance and gentle temperament throughout history
BLM Euthanasia Rules:
Focus on Acts of Mercy: Euthanasia is considered an act of mercy for animals with chronic conditions that cause suffering, like failing health, severe lameness, or low body condition scores.
Body Condition Score (BCS): This scoring system helps assess an animal's health based on fat reserves. A score of 1 or 2 indicates poor health, and euthanasia is considered if suffering is present or prognosis is poor. Animals with a score of 3 (moderate) are re-evaluated in 30 days if improvement isn't seen.
Better Options:
Immediate Transfer to Rescue: Allowing immediate transfer of healthy or treatable animals to qualified rescue organizations would provide a better alternative to euthanasia. Rescues often have the resources and experience to care for animals with pre-existing conditions.
Private Care Options: Partnering with private sanctuaries or fostering programs could create additional placement for healthy or treatable animals. This would reduce the burden on the BLM and allow for more individualized care.
Increased Transparency: The BLM's decision-making process for euthanasia should be more transparent. Clearer guidelines and public reporting on the health status of animals would increase trust and potentially allow for intervention from rescue organizations.
Overall, the BLM prioritizes humane treatment, but there's room for improvement. By focusing on finding new homes for healthy or treatable animals, euthanasia rates could be reduced.