Wildlife

Wild Horse and Burro Management Welfare

Wild horses and burros on US public lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The welfare costs of roundups and holding facilities are significant and contested.

Key Facts

Over 60,000 wild horses and burros are held in BLM holding facilities at significant cost and welfare concern
Helicopter roundups cause stress, injury, and death in some captured animals including foals
PZP contraceptive vaccine can be delivered remotely without capture and effectively controls population growth
Many captured wild horses are held in holding corrals for years without adoption opportunities

Welfare Considerations

Wild horse management welfare is a persistent issue in US public lands policy. Helicopter roundups cause acute welfare costs and long-term holding removes horses from their social groups and natural environments. PZP contraception delivered by dart gun is proven effective and avoids these welfare costs but is not used at scale due to political and logistical factors. Humane management alternatives are available but require policy will to implement.

What You Can Do

Support wild horse advocacy organizations promoting fertility control over roundup and holding
Advocate for BLM adoption of PZP vaccination programs at scale as a humane management approach
Consider adopting a wild horse or burro from BLM holding facilities if you have appropriate facilities
Engage with public comment processes for BLM wild horse management plans