Decision to euthanize wild mustang stirs controversy

The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center in Lovell has expressed great concern about a recent decision by the Bureau of Land Management to euthanize a wild mustang in the Pryor Mountains the agency considered to be in poor health with a low chance of recovery.

The BLM confirmed in a statement issued on April 30 that a 15-year-old stallion known as Echo or Killian was euthanized on April 22 in the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range north of Lovell.

“The BLM recognizes the deep public connection to the Pryor Mountain wild horse herd. We are sharing this post proactively in light of recent public concerns and misinformation regarding the humane euthanasia of a 15-year-old stallion, known to some as ‘Echo’ or ‘Killian’ on April 22, 2025,” the agency’s statement reads.

“This decision was not made lightly. The stallion was found alone, no longer with his band, and was observed with a Henneke Body Condition score of 2 (on a 9-point scale, with 1 being ‘poor’ and 9 being ‘extremely fat’),” the statement continues. “He displayed labored breathing, minimal mobility and did not react when approached within close proximity. These signs pointed to significant suffering and a poor prognosis for recovery.

“Euthanasia was carried out by trained BLM personnel in full accordance with the law, agency policy and veterinary standards as an act of mercy to prevent further unnecessary suffering.”

Displaying side-by-side comparison photos on a Facebook post, the agency continues: “We are sharing a side-by-side photo here to help illustrate the difference between this stallion and what a typical wild horse in the same herd looks like coming out of the winter. Seasonal weight loss is common and expected, but the severity of this animal’s decline was beyond what we could ethically allow to continue.”

But the Pryor Mountain Mustang Center disagrees with the condition of the stallion and the decision-making methods the BLM used, including a failure to consult with wild horse advocates like the Mustang Center.

“The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center is aware of the Bureau of Land Management’s decision to euthanize the Pryor Mountain wild horse stallion Killian/Echo. We are very saddened by this loss,” the Mustang Center board states in a May 1 blog post on the organization’s website. “The BLM stands by this decision based on Policy PIM 2021-007. In this policy, the phrase ‘poor prognosis for improvement or chance of recovery’ sets one of the standards to euthanize a wild horse.

“We disagree with the decision to euthanize Killian through the assumption that he had a ‘poor prognosis of improvement or chance of recovery.’ The policy also states that the ‘humane care of wild horses on the range requires periodic evaluation of their condition by qualified BLM personnel or a veterinarian to provide for their well-being.’  The quick act of euthanasia came before any ‘periodic’ evaluations of his condition by qualified BLM personnel, or a veterinarian, as required by this policy. The Guidance for Euthanasia that is attached to this Policy also states, ‘When possible, a veterinarian should be consulted prior to euthanasia unless circumstances necessitating euthanasia are urgent or obvious.’ (See https://www.blm.gov/policy/pim-2021-007).”

The Center’s stance comes from decades of observing and monitoring the Pryor horses, the blog post notes, continuing, “As part of this, we have consulted with the BLM when they had concerns over the conditions of several horses. Through this, the BLM previously sought to humanely address injury or illness while also recognizing that these are wild animals that do have the capability to successfully recover from such ailments. We have observed several cases where Pryor Horses exhibited poor body conditions or severe injuries but survived and recovered. Ironically, just yesterday, we received a photo of the horse Malpais/Mandan who, back in 2014, had a severe leg injury. He was monitored by us and other volunteers and at times looked pretty ‘hopeless.’  At one point he disappeared, and it was believed he had died. A few weeks later, he reappeared looking healthy and moving ‘with freedom of movement.’  

“We unfortunately have also observed several cases where, after thorough evaluation and observation, the BLM has determined that the best option is euthanasia, and we have sadly been in agreement. In the case of Killian’s condition, though, we have countless examples of Pryor Horses who came out of a severe winter with extremely poor body conditions. We have witnessed them make remarkable recoveries once the spring grasses fully emerge. We strongly believe that Killian deserved this same type of opportunity for life instead of being subject to decision-making based upon limited evaluation. To our knowledge, Killian’s situation was not ‘urgent or obvious.’ From the information that has been provided, the decision was made due to poor body condition, labored breathing, minimal mobility and lack of reaction when approached in close proximity – all deduced in one single observation.”

The BLM notes threats against agency personnel in the wake of the euthanasia.

“Unfortunately, in response to this situation, BLM staff have received threats of violence, including death threats,” the agency statement continues. “We take the public’s passion seriously, and we are committed to transparency, but threats against public servants are not acceptable and will be referred to law enforcement. We ask everyone to express their views respectfully, even in disagreement. 

“The BLM remains committed to the humane and science-based care of the Pryor Mountain herd, and we care deeply for their well-being. We appreciate all who advocate for the welfare of these horses. If you have questions about our management practices or want to learn more, please call 1-866-468-7826.”

With the euthanasia already carried out, the Mustang Center is looking to the future.

“We have clearly expressed disagreement with the BLM’s decision,” the Center’s blog post reads. “As we now mourn the loss of Killian, we remain committed to working to prevent a similar act from happening again now and in the future. Now is not the time to let this situation incite any threats against those at the BLM involved with this decision. Killian’s legacy will serve as a cautionary reminder of the importance of those like us, to continue to carry on the work in preserving the future of the Pryor horses.”