H.R. 4356: Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025, aims to amend existing legislation governing the management of wild horses and burros in the United States. It seeks to address several key issues associated with current practices in the handling of these animals, particularly focusing on the use of aircraft in their roundups.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition of Helicopters and Aircraft: The bill proposes to phase out the use of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for rounding up wild horses and burros over a two-year period following the enactment of this legislation. This decision is based on concerns regarding the safety and well-being of the animals, as well as the effectiveness and cost of current methods.
• Alternatives to Roundups: The bill highlights the existence of more humane and cost-effective alternatives for managing wild horse and burro populations, such as fertility control.
• Public Accountability: Any aircraft utilized for roundups must be equipped with cameras to document the operations, ensuring transparency. The recorded footage would be included in official agency reports regarding the roundups.
• Reporting Requirements: The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is instructed to submit a report within one year of the bill's enactment. This report will cover humane alternatives to current methods, potential job creation from these alternatives, and the impact of aircraft on wild horse and burro populations.

Background and Justification

The bill outlines several findings that justify its introduction:

• The Bureau of Land Management currently captures wild horses and burros to manage their populations but relies heavily on helicopters, which can endanger the animals and lead to public safety concerns.
• Public observation of these roundups is often limited, making it difficult for the public to engage with government operations regarding wildlife management.
• Significant taxpayer funds have been spent on roundups, raising questions about the efficiency and necessity of such expenditures when alternatives may exist.
• Historical data shows that the percentage of budget allocated to fertility control treatments is minimal compared to the total expenses for rounding up wild horses and burros.

Implementation Timeline

The bill emphasizes a structured approach to the elimination of aerial roundups, mandating that the transition should occur gradually over a specified period. This phased approach aims to ensure that the management of wild horses and burros continues effectively while shifting towards more humane practices.

Conclusion

Overall, this legislation seeks to reform the way wild horses and burros are managed in the U.S., prioritizing their welfare and the efficient use of public resources through the adoption of more humane alternatives.

Relevant Companies

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