Target: Tom Cole (OK), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee
Goal: Restore full funding for the PAWS program and protect wild horses from slaughter and inhumane treatment.
The fate of vulnerable animals and domestic violence survivors hangs in the balance as lawmakers contemplate the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget. While the U.S. House of Representatives passed a version of the budget containing $1.5 million for the Protecting Animals with Shelter (PAWS) grant program, it falls significantly short of the previous $3 million allocation vital for supporting co-sheltering practices in domestic violence shelters. This program allows survivors to escape abusive situations without leaving their beloved companion animals behind—an option that many cite as crucial for their safety and recovery. The alarming reality is that without proper funding, shelters may lose the ability to provide these essential services, putting countless lives at risk.
Further compounding these issues, recent budget proposals have removed language that has historically prohibited the funding of mass slaughter of healthy wild horses. This policy change threatens to subject thousands of removed wild equines to euthanasia or sell them into slaughter pipelines, dismantling the protections that have existed for over two decades. The proposed 25% cut to the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Program not only undermines humane management practices but also threatens the welfare of these intelligent creatures who deserve to live free and wild. The stakes have never been higher for both wild horses and domestic violence survivors who rely on their animal companions.
To prevent a tragic regression in animal welfare and to ensure the safety of those fleeing abusive situations, it is essential that Congress fully restores the PAWS Act grant funding to $3 million or more. Furthermore, it must reinforce the ban against the inhumane slaughter of wild horses and adequately fund the humane management of wild equines. Action on these demands is crucial to uphold the values of compassion and protection that American constituents expect from their elected representatives.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Chair of the House Appropriations Committee,
The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget poses an unprecedented threat to both domestic violence survivors and wild horse populations across the United States. As reported, the recent budget passed by the House Appropriations Committee eliminates essential funding for the Protecting Animals with Shelter (PAWS) program, reducing resources vital for co-sheltering domestic violence survivors and their beloved companion animals. Reducing support means jeopardizing the chance for survivors to escape dangerous situations without sacrificing their emotional support systems, a critical factor in their recovery.
Adding to these concerns, the budget’s removal of the ban against the slaughter of healthy wild horses opens the door to mass euthanasia and inhumane treatment of these majestic animals. The proposed cuts to the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program, which already operates on a severely restricted budget, render the humane management of wild equines virtually impossible. The risk that countless horses could be sent to slaughter due to these budgetary decisions is a disheartening step backward in animal protection.
Now is the time to act decisively to protect both animals and vulnerable human populations in our country. It is vital to restore full funding for the PAWS program to $3 million or more and reinforce protections against the slaughter of wild horses. I urge you to prioritize these critical issues and demonstrate a commitment to humane treatment for all living beings.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
