Wild Horse Annie and the Protection of Wild Horses and Burros

A Horsey Cause: Velma B. Johnston

• In the late 1950s, Velma B. Johnston, nicknamed "Wild Horse Annie," advocated for the protection of wild burros and horses.

• She presented photos and concerns to schoolchildren and the public to raise awareness about the cruel treatment of these animals.

The Wild Horse Annie Act of 1959

• Velma B. Johnston petitioned Congress to end the inhumane treatment of wild burros and horses.

• A bill was created to prohibit the use of motor vehicles to hunt wild horses and burros on public lands.

• This legislation was known as the Wild Horse Annie Act of 1959.

Reduction of Herds and Mustangers

• By 1970, cattle ranchers significantly reduced wild horse herds to protect grazing land for their cattle.

• "Mustangers" (horse thieves) hunted horses for dog food or illegal sale, further decimating populations.

Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971

• Legislators agreed to protect wild horses and burros from slaughter.

• In 1971, President Nixon signed the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

• The Act provided monitoring, management, and protection for these animals.

Amendments to the Act

• The Act has been amended several times to allow the use of helicopters and some vehicles.

• These vehicles are used to monitor and conduct legal round-ups for an adoption program.