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Fort Polk Heritage Horses & Descendants of WWII Cavalry Horses in IMMEDIATE DANGER

Public Comments (130)
  • Sep 1st, 2016
    Someone from Boyce, LA signed.
  • Sep 1st, 2016
    Someone from Martinsburg, WV signed.
  • Sep 1st, 2016
    Someone from Leesville, LA writes:
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    Leave these horses Alone !
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  • Sep 1st, 2016
    Someone from Menasha, WI signed.
  • Sep 1st, 2016
    Someone from Decatur, GA writes:
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    these wild horses have remained and endured and adapted over the centuries,,,, they deserve to remain where they are and live in peace
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  • Sep 1st, 2016
    Someone from Austin, TX signed.
  • Aug 30th, 2016
    Someone from Seminole, FL writes:
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    The appropriated acreage for the remaining 700 or so horses is over 600,000. Surely 5 acres per horse can be cordoned off for the horses leaving the remaining 595,000 for the army to train on. Send the army corp of engineers in to do something the public wants. Please!
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  • Aug 30th, 2016
    Someone from Lafayette, LA writes:
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    For at least eight decades, horses have roamed the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. A portion of KNF and surrounding area became the U.S. Army?s training area: Ft. Polk. These free-roaming horses, over years and generations, have reverted to their wild state, especially through their offspring who have never known anything other than wild. In the past Army has at least tolerated the horses and some have actually enjoyed their presence. Some commanders appreciated them even enjoyed their presence and stated that he didn?t want to lose the horses, which had become an integral part of the environment of the training areas where they constituted an element of realism. In August 2015, a new commander, Brig. Gen. Timothy P. McGuire, approved (if not ordered) the removal of the horses. The Army held a public meeting to discuss a good plan for their disposition on August 13th, 2015. Part of the outcome from the hearing, was recommendation that the public submit comments & proposals for humane solutions regarding the equine presence in Kisatchie and at Fort Polk. Comments/Proposals were to be submitted by Sept 5th, 2015. It was also implied that the proposals would be reviewed by Army Officials and a plan formed. Once the proposals reviewed the Army implied another public hearing would occur to go over finding and then a decision would be made just after Jan 2016. Caring individuals made a simple request for the humane, ethical, conservative approach to addressing the equine presence at Fort Polk Military base and Kisatchie national forest as a whole. Although our focus is centered around the welfare of the horses, the safety of civilians and soldiers is paramount. However the gross disregard for the public?s opinion is extremely concerning, as is the attempt to paint caring individuals as activists which has a negative connotation. This is a classic tactic and frankly inappropriate and inflammatory. The horses need a voice focused on their welfare, this is not activism, rather advocacy. The claim of receiving only 717 comments by the Sept 2nd, 2015 deadline, is questionable at best, given the number of people who have called or emailed the army base along with the petition and support shown via social/news media. By the end of the comment period in September 2015; over 1200 individuals sent approx 2,736 letters to Congress. Public demand for conservative, humane, ethical treatment of these animals is undeniable and support continues to grow as seen by the steady increase in support. There is strong Historical evidence Horses came into the area with the Hernando de Soto Expedition (1539-1543). Free-roaming horses came into the area from various sources including American Indians (1800?s), Heritage Families, and the U.S. Cavalry. Their progeny still roam this area today. The Commanders at Fort Polk come and go every couple of years. Previous Generals allowed the horses some even fought to preserve them, protecting the sanctity of the land
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  • Aug 22nd, 2015
    Someone from Colorado Springs, CO signed.
  • Aug 18th, 2015
    Someone from Dubach, LA signed.