Wildlife

The Welfare of Wild Horses and Burros

Wild horses and burros in North America exist in a complex welfare and management landscape shaped by federal law, ecological concerns, and competing stakeholder interests.

Key Facts

Approximately 82,000 wild horses and burros roam federal lands in the western United States
The 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act protects but also allows management of herds
The BLM holds over 60,000 horses in corrals and pastures — the largest captive herd in the world
Roundup by helicopter causes intense fear, stress, and occasional injuries and deaths
PZP immunocontraception is a humane alternative to roundup for population management

Welfare Considerations

Wild horses face twin welfare threats: roundups that cause acute stress and injury, and overcrowded holding facilities where thousands live in feedlot conditions indefinitely. PZP contraception delivered by dart rifle can manage herd sizes humanely without removal, but is underused. Horses in holding facilities that are unadoptable face long-term confinement or, controversially, slaughter — which is currently prohibited in federal facilities.

What You Can Do

Support American Wild Horse Campaign advocating for PZP contraception programs
Adopt a wild horse or burro through the BLM adoption program
Advocate for humane management alternatives to mass roundups
Oppose any legislation permitting slaughter of federally protected wild horses