A Qualitative Analysis of Wild Horse and Burro Affinity Organization Websites- Missions, Messaging, And Misinformation 

Presenter(s)(s)

Lily Nelson

Abstract or Description

The feral horse population in the US has a growing population of 300,000, ranging across private, federal, and indigenous landscapes. Currently the populations are growing at exponential rates, drawing in public attention and concern. Land degradation, animal welfare, and harm to private land are all issues posed by the current population size. The Borough of Land Management (BLM) was placed in charge of wild horse operations by the Federal Government and current strategies have sparked debate across wild horse advocacy groups. These stances are available to the public via websites or other forms of outreach and often influence public perception of how horse populations should be handled. To understand the messages advocacy groups are spreading, their websites will be assessed for statements regarding horse populations and their management. It is suspected that these advocacy groups have misled the public, altering public perceptions of why free-ranging horses are in the US and what form, if any, interference is needed to change management strategies. This project aims to analyze current advocacy groups, the messages they are spreading, and what is motivating them to share misleading information. Advocacy groups tend to uphold that animal welfare for the horses is of the upmost importance, but how to manage them safely is often where they disagree. 

Mentor

Sarah King and Stacy Lynn