Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025

The Bureau of Land Management is directed to humanely capture wild free-roaming horses and burros for adoption. Currently, the BLM contracts with private helicopter companies to pursue the horses and burros over long distances, which can be frightening and even deadly to the animals. Between 2020 and 2024, these roundup practices have cost taxpayers at least $36.7 million.

If enacted, this bill would make significant changes to how these roundups occur. During the 2-year period after enactment, the Secretary would phase out the use of helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft for rounding up or gathering wild horses and burros. Any aircraft used for roundups would be equipped with cameras to record operations, with footage made available in agency reports. The bill would also require the Government Accountability Office to submit a report detailing the impacts of aircraft chases on wild horses and burros and outlining humane alternatives to helicopter roundups.

Scientific research has shown that more humane and cost-effective alternatives, like fertility control, are equally effective in controlling equine populations. Supporters argue the bill would reduce animal suffering and save taxpayer money, while critics of current practices contend that helicopter roundups cause unnecessary injuries and deaths.