Wildlife

Welfare of Wild Horses and Burros in America

Wild horses and burros on US public lands are protected by law but face ongoing welfare controversies around roundups, fertility control, and holding facilities.

Key Facts

About 82,000 wild horses and burros roam public lands in 10 western states
BLM helicopters gather herds causing significant stress and occasional injury
Long-term holding facilities house over 60,000 gathered horses at taxpayer expense
Fertility control vaccines like PZP humanely manage population growth
Wild horses are descended from domesticated horses brought to America centuries ago

Welfare Considerations

Wild horse welfare depends heavily on management approach. Helicopter roundups cause acute stress and injury, while holding facilities provide inadequate social and movement opportunities. Fertility control and adoption programs offer better welfare-aligned alternatives.

What You Can Do

Support PZP fertility control programs as alternatives to roundups
Advocate for adoption and gentling programs for gathered horses
Donate to organizations providing advocacy and monitoring for wild horse welfare
Oppose sale and slaughter of federally protected wild horses and burros