Wildlife

Wild Horse Welfare in the American West

Mustangs and other wild horses on US public lands are subject to controversial roundup and holding programs that cause significant welfare harms.

Key Facts

Approximately 82,000 wild horses roam public lands in the American West
Over 60,000 horses are held in government holding facilities at enormous expense
Helicopter roundups cause extreme fear, injury, and separation of family bands
BLM holds more horses in pens than exist in the wild
Roundup injuries and deaths are documented annually

Welfare Considerations

Helicopter roundups of wild horses cause extreme fear responses, with horses running for miles at high speed, sustaining leg injuries, and experiencing family band separation. Captive holding in dirt pens provides no shade, shelter, or social enrichment appropriate for these animals. Horses who have lived free suffer profound psychological distress from confinement.

What You Can Do

Support American Wild Horse Campaign
Adopt a mustang through the BLM adoption program
Advocate for non-lethal contraceptive management as an alternative to roundups
Oppose legislation permitting euthanasia or slaughter of wild horses