The Bureau of Land Management has sold more than 500 wild horses to two tribes under a controversial new law.

The BLM sold 141 horses to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota and 120 horses to the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota. The agency says other sales to tribes are forthcoming.

The sales are authorized by the 2005 omnibus appropriations act. It allows BLM to sell wild horses and burros that are more than 10 years old or have been unsuccessfully offered for adoption at least three times. An estimated 8,400 animals are eligible for sale.

Environmental groups have criticized the law, saying it will allow BLM to slaughter "excess animals."

Get the Story:
BLM announces first sale of wild horses to tribes (AP 3/22)

Relevant Links:
Wild Horse Program - http://www.blm.gov/nhp/spotlight/whb_authority