H.R. 5829: Leveraging Aerial Systems for Stewardship Operations (LASSO) Act

This bill, known as the Leveraging Aerial Systems for Stewardship Operations (LASSO) Act, aims to support the humane management of wild horses and burros using unmanned aerial systems (often referred to as drones). Here is a summary of its main components:

Purpose

The primary purpose of this legislation is to establish a grant program through which the Secretary of the Interior can allocate funds to explore the use of drones in managing wild horse and burro populations in a humane manner.

Funding and Grants

• The bill proposes to allocate $100,000 each year from 2026 to 2030 for grants.
• These grants will be provided to organizations, including universities, with expertise in drone technology and a commitment to animal welfare.
• The funds can be used for pilot projects that test the effectiveness of drones in gathering and managing wild horse and burro populations.
• Additionally, grants may support efforts related to fertility control and overall herd health management using drones.

Reporting Requirements

Organizations that receive funding under this bill will be required to:

• Submit reports detailing the results of their pilot projects within 180 days after each project ends.
• Provide an evaluation of potential applications of unmanned aerial systems for ranching, animal care, and environmental management to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Department of Agriculture.

Targeted Activities

The bill specifically encourages the use of drones for:

• Humane gathering of wild horses and burros.
• Monitoring health and behavior of equine populations.
• Implementing fertility control methods in a humane manner.

Overall Goals

The legislation seeks to promote innovative approaches through technology to address the challenges of managing wild horse and burro populations, ensuring that such efforts are conducted humanely and effectively while advancing research in animal welfare and environmental stewardship.

Relevant Companies

None found