WLJ reported in its Aug. 6, 2018 issue that Colorado State University (CSU) had submitted a proposal to participate with the U.S. Geological Service (USGS) and the BLM in a project led by those agencies to collect and spay wild horses. However, the university has since withdrawn from the project.
On Aug. 8, CSU’s Vice President for Research, Dr. Alan Rudolph, released an email statement saying, “After careful consideration of multiple factors during the 30-day public comment period for the Warm Springs, OR, mare spay project, Colorado State University is withdrawing our partnership on the surgical spaying of mares.”
He added that the decision to withdraw was made with the support of the involved researchers. Rudolph noted that CSU is a leader in improving animal health and is known world-wide for its leadership in managing animal-related research with the highest level of care and ethics.
“As a state university, we have investigated alternative population and birth control measures for wild animals for more than 25 years and remain committed to continuing to explore solutions to an unmet need,” he said.
Going on, Rudolph’s statement said, “Although we withdraw from this particular effort, wild horse and burro overpopulation is a critical animal welfare issue that must be solved through objective, collaborative and transparent research. Our efforts include multiple approaches to solving this problem. As an academic institution, we are committed to exploring this important animal welfare concern. We will continue to pursue alternatives that address wildlife welfare issues, leaving the door open to our future work.”
WLJ reached out to BLM to comment on the impact this will have on the project, but as of press time had not received a response.
