Velma Bronn Johnston

Annie on her farm with her horse, and her dog

Velma B. Johnston was born March 5th, 1912, in Reno, Nevada. Her parent's names were Joseph Bronn and Gertrude Clay. The nickname "Wild Horse Annie" was given to her for what she did to protect the wild horses. Her father operated a service using many horses. When Annie was 11 years old she had to get treated for Polio. Polio was one of the most feared and studied diseases in the 20th century. This experience gave her great confidence for animals.

Annie later met and married Charlie Johnston, who was part Delaware Indian; They had no children. During her life, she worked as: a secretary for Reno Insurance Executive, as a rancher, a wild horse supporter and a protester. She was also a lecturer, writer, organizer and a day camp owner. After Charlie's death she moved back to Reno to live with her mother.

Horse

One morning, in 1950 while she was off to work, Velma witnessed a dreadful scene. A wild horse crammed into a truck destined for a pet food slaughterhouse. "Blood oozing from the truck revealed a yearling being trampled to death." This caused Annie to start a movement; when she decided to go public about the treatment the horses were getting. Annie showed the heartless ways wild horses were being mistreated. Ranchers, hunters and "mustangers" were the ones doing these cruel things to them. Annie convinced thousands of people of all ages and walks of life to advocate for the wild horses. She encouraged children to write letters to Congress about the way the wild horses were treated. Congress received more letters on this issue than any other. With lots of legislation, the vehicles and aircraft used to kill them were finally banned. In 1971, the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Bruno law was intact. This law was to forbid the death of the wild mustangs, banding and capturing of wild horses on community lands. On June 27th, 1977, Annie passed away after bravely fighting a losing battle with Cancer. She was 65 years old.

Myself, I love animals as much as she does. We have a lot in common because I love all the things she does and when I grow up I want to be like her because she helped animals in her spare time.

All diffrent types of animals Annie cared for (google)

Annie Bronn Johnston was a person who loved animals unconditionally, like I do. She worked as: a secretary for Reno Insurance Executive, as a rancher, a wild horse supporter and a protester. She was also a lecturer, writer, organizer and a day camp owner. She lived in Reno, Nevada all her life. She was born on March 5th, 1912 and she died on June 27 1977. She died from Cancer.