Ashley Avis Starts ‘Lost Horses’ Campaign

Writer and director Ashley Avis has launched a new initiative, The Lost Horses campaign, through her nonprofit, the Wild Beauty Foundation (WBF). The campaign aims to raise awareness about the thousands of horses that enter the slaughter pipeline annually and to garner support for the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act.

Campaign Launch and PSA Debut

The Lost Horses campaign will debut a public service announcement (PSA) on January 23, set to Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” The PSA features Olympians Jessica Springsteen and Karl Cook, actors Mackenzie Foy, Beth Behrs, Zosia Mamet, Pom Klementieff, and Dermot Mulroney, as well as singer and songwriter Dewey Bunnell of America, poet Atticus, and the Compton Cowboys.

The SAFE Act and Congressional Support

The SAFE Act (H.R. 1661/S. 775) seeks to ban horse slaughter in the United States and the export of horses for slaughter abroad. The act is endorsed by organizations including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Animal Welfare Institute, EQUUS Foundation, Humane World for Animals, and The Cloud Foundation. Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Florida), Co-Chairman of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, expressed his support for the act, noting it is already supported by over half the House. Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, also voiced her support, highlighting the need to close loopholes that allow horses to be exported for slaughter. Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), also a co-chairman of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus and a co-sponsor of the SAFE Act, emphasized the importance of a humane approach to protecting these animals.

Future Initiatives

Over the coming year, The Lost Horses campaign plans to release a series of short-form films, digital and traditional PSAs, and host live events. These events will focus on various aspects of the equine world, including wild mustangs, rescue horses, lesson ponies, and Olympic athletes.

Sundance Event

The Wild Beauty Foundation & Saving Gracie Equine Foundation will host a special Sundance event on Friday, January 23rd at the Blue Sky Ski Lounge to debut the inaugural PSA set to “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish.

Ashley Avis’s Statement

Ashley Avis, founder and president of The Wild Beauty Foundation, stated that the story of America’s horses reflects both beauty and heartbreak. She expressed hope that cinema can highlight this issue and remind people of the importance of compassion for all living beings. Avis added that horses have been partners with humans for centuries and are woven into American culture, serving as athletes, companions, and therapy animals.