Spring Creek Basin Mustangs

“His passing is a terrible loss for the wild horse community. Our deepest condolences go to his wife and his colleagues at the Science and Conservation Center who are like family to AWHPC, as Dr. Kirkpatrick was.

“Jay was a rare ‘scientist with a heart’ and he dedicated his life to reducing the suffering of wild animals by developing a humane alternative to lethal management practices. The PZP fertility control vaccine that he developed and perfected (as affirmed by 30 years of published science) has kept countless wild animals – from wild horses to deer to bison and even elephants – wild and free by protecting them from capture and killing.

“‘I’m not a bunny hugger, but I’ll never attend another gather as long as I live. They’re flat-out inhumane,’ he told National Geographic in 2009 describing BLM wild horse roundups. ‘There are three reasons why these gathers are an unsatisfactory solution to the problem of numbers. Firstly, it’s genetically irresponsible to be constantly pulling off young horses whose genes will never get expressed; secondly, every time you pull horses out, the reproductive efficiency of the horses that remain increases. And thirdly, the behavioral consequences for the horses are profound.’

“Jay was a visionary, a humanitarian and a shining example of what one person can accomplish in his lifetime. We are so proud to have called him a friend and a colleague. Measures have been taken by the Science and Conservation Center to prepare for this transition and the seamless continuation of the work that he was dedicated to for 45 years.”

Godspeed, Dr. Jay. You trained many angels, and we honor you and your legacy to preserve mustangs and wild burros with every dart we fire.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.