DON’T HOLD YOUR HORSES: SOLUTIONS TO THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT’S FAILURE TO MANAGE WILD HORSE POPULATIONS

Since the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (WFHA) was enacted in 1971 – mandating protection and management of the wild horse and burro population – the BLM has triggered a public outcry over its mismanagement of wild horses. From inhumane roundup processes to a well-intentioned but poorly executed adoption program that inadvertently subjects horses to cruel conditions and slaughter, the BLM’s efforts have continuously undermined wild horse preservation. When an overwhelming majority of Americans push for wild horse protections, and wild horse preservation is a topic that largely receives bipartisan support, it is hard to understand the current status of the American mustang. This note examines the BLM’s controversial management of wild horses under the WFHA and the reasons that the BLM has failed for decades tokeep the wild horse population in check and ensure the wellbeing of wild horses under its care. This note proposes (1) decreasing the number of horses kept in short-term holding facilities; (2) increasing rangelands for wild horses; (3) creating non-reproducing herds on federal rangelands from removed wild horses and burros; (4) making the wild horse adoption process stricter; (5) making fertility control the primary method of population management; and (6) phasing out wild horse removals.