I am horrified by the inclusion of a rider in the omnibus appropriations bill that undermines the federal Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Protection Act (Wild Horse Act.) It was sneaked in by Sen. Conrad Burns without the public becoming aware and able to discuss it and without the possibility for a separate vote by the Senate. This unfair rider orders the federal government to sell America’s heritage of wild horses to the highest bidder, minus any of the current protections to such slaughter.

There have been far too many such riders without the public being informed and able to give voice as is just in a democracy. In addition, efforts at exterminating our wild-horse heritage have been repeated so that the minority of ranchers can have the grazing areas for their herds to destroy, as cattle and sheep have already done in many areas. The American public has repeatedly voiced its opposition to this slaughter.

Horses have served men well in many capacities, including war, transport and entertainment, and do not deserve to be butchered so that their meat can be consumed abroad.

Frances Perlman, West Paris

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