End the Abuse of Equines in Havasupai Region of the Grand Canyon!

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Tell Tribal Vice Chairman, Edmond Tilousi and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to work together to end the abuse and neglect of equines in Havasupai region! People who abuse or mistreat their horses and mules must be prosecuted and the animals taken away.

Sign now to demand the Bureau of Indian Affairs create and fund a program to assist the Havasu people in caring for their horses and mules.

For 60 years there have been reports of abuse and extreme neglect reported by visitors with documentation. The incidences have only increased with social media and change needs to happen. [1]

Horses are underfed and forced to work long days without rest. Many of the horses have open sores and wounds from ill-fitting tack. Some horses were seen ruthlessly beaten for collapsing on the trail. When the horses or mules are not able to work they are left on the trail to die and eaten by feral dogs. [1]

Horses and mules provide a way for the Havasu people to make a living and need to be treated with respect, but caring for horses is expensive. To help the Havasu people and their horses, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) needs to create and fund a mandatory, free assistance program that ensures the Havasupai horses and mules are properly cared for without abuse.

A free, federally funded program will ensure that all people who own pack horses and mules can take advantage of it for the sake and well-being of the animals. The program would be conducted by a trained pack horse professional. The program will teach the Havasu people how to properly train and care for their equines. Teaching them how to fit tack to each animal and what weight limit should be. The knowledge and extra time spent working with the equines will create stronger bonds. That bond will lead to better conditions and respect.

The program will have set guidelines and rules for owning and managing pack horses and mules. The guidelines will include days off to rest for the animals, proper shelter from the sun and weather, enough food and water to maintain a healthy weight, vet care when needed, animals retired to sanctuaries when they can no longer work, and ethical work conditions. [2] BIA will enforce these and must clear horses or mules before they can be worked. Anyone who is found abusing or neglecting a horse or mule after receiving education and help from the BIA’s program must be prosecuted.

There are many other organizations that have healthy and happy pack horses and mules. Animals that are in good health and shape will lead to a successful business for the tribe. The alternative of neglect and abuse cannot be overlooked any longer. A new program to support the Havasu people and their horses is needed!