Too many Mainers are unaware that the law against the slaughter of wild horses on Western range land has lapsed and is not being reinstated.

Ranchers are in favor of that, as they want to use the range for their cattle or other domesticated beasts. Cattle grazing, however, makes the range unusable for planting in the future, unlike when horses graze.

The horse flesh of those slaughtered is used in dog food and also sold for European, notably French, consumption.

Horses were important to Americans establishing themselves in the Western states. They were the cowboys’ best friends.

It seems very wrong to treat them in that way.

Frances Perlman, West Paris