Velma Bronn Johnston

Who was Velma Bronn Johnston?

Annie Bronn Johnston, also known as Wild Horse Annie, was an animal rights activist. Johnston led a campaign to stop the removal of wild mustangs and burros from public lands. She was instrumental in passing legislation to stop using aircraft and land vehicles to capture wild horses and burros and to cease branding and causing their death.

Annie Bronn was born in Washoe County, Nevada to Joseph Bronn and his wife Gertrude Clay and grew up on the family’s "Lazy Heart Ranch". In 1923 she contracted polio and was confined to cast for six months. She married Charles Johnston and they took over operation of the ranch and later turning it into the "Double Lazy Heart Ranch", a dude ranch for children. The name of the ranch was changed so as to include Charles in the family business. Johnston also worked as a secretary for an insurance company.

Johnston became involved in the campaign to save the wild horses after driving to work in 1950. While following a truck loaded with horses on its way to a slaughterhouse she saw blood dripping from the back of the over crowded truck. This inspired her to do further investigation and bring it to the public.