The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has been protecting burros from being killed at national parks since the 1970's. This year, their efforts to save these animals have turned to Texas.
Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS, posted on his blog in late March that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has agreed to suspend the killing of feral burros in the Big Bend Ranch State Park. Instead of continuing the killings in an effort to control the population and mitigate impacts on the environment, the Parks and Wildlife Department is agreeing to work with the HSUS to provide a humane method for dealing with the burros, including possible relocation.
This spring, the two groups will come together to survey the park and the burro population. HSUS will submit its findings and hopefully a humane, non-lethal proposal will be accepted and these innocent animals will be spared. The Parks and Wildlife Department has stated that they will contribute up to $10,000 for the project. The Department does not foresee using lethal force against the burros in the near future, but is unfortunately keeping the option open as the need to remove the animals from the park remains.
If you agree with THLN and with the HSUS, that these creatures should not be destroyed, please contact your representatives in support of the continued suspension of killing feral burros. Don't know who your representatives are? Click here to find out.
