Government roundups of wild horses on public lands cause acute stress, injury, and family disruption, sparking ongoing debate about humane management alternatives.
Helicopter roundups cause acute fear and physical trauma to animals adapted to wide-ranging movement. Captured horses may spend years or lifetimes in holding pens with limited space and social complexity. The Humane Society and other organizations have documented injuries and deaths during roundup operations that could be avoided through non-lethal alternatives.