Wildlife

Wild Horse Contraception Programs

Porcine zona pellucida (PZP) contraception offers a humane alternative to helicopter roundups for managing wild horse populations.

Key Facts

Over 80,000 wild horses are currently held in BLM holding facilities in the US
Helicopter roundups cause injury, foal separation trauma and deaths
PZP vaccine contraception can stabilize herd populations without removal
Field application by trained volunteers makes PZP scalable in accessible areas

Welfare Considerations

Helicopter roundups cause acute trauma to horses and foals — including injuries, foal abandonment and deaths — and the resulting holding facilities create long-term welfare problems for the thousands of horses held in pens. PZP contraception avoids these welfare costs entirely. Scaling contraception programs requires investment but is more humane and arguably more cost-effective long-term.

What You Can Do

Support American Wild Horse Campaign advocacy for PZP programs
Urge BLM to increase contraception funding
Oppose helicopter roundup methods and advocate for their replacement
Adopt a wild horse from BLM facilities if you can provide appropriate care