DD Animal News: May 15, 2025: In a historic development, U.S. lawmakers have formed the first-ever Congressional Wild Horse Caucus. This bipartisan coalition brings national attention to the threats facing America’s wild horses and burros. It aims to replace harmful practices with humane, science-based strategies.
The caucus was co-chaired by Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Steve Cohen (D-TN). Together, they seek reforms that prioritize animal welfare, cost-efficiency, and habitat preservation.
“Nevada is home to more than 30,000 wild horses and burros—more than half of all the wild horses and burros in the United States,” said Rep. Titus. “These icons of the American West deserve to be treated humanely.”
The lawmakers aim to end the use of helicopter roundups and removals which displace horses from public lands and place them in long-term confinement, often at great cost to taxpayers and the animals themselves.
Why the Caucus Was Needed
Wild horses and burros have long symbolized freedom and resilience. Yet many now face uncertain futures. Under current policy, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) removes wild equines in large numbers, using helicopters to round them up.
These roundups often injure or kill vulnerable animals. Foals and older horses are especially at risk. Once captured, horses are shipped to crowded holding facilities where they may remain for life.
Currently, more than 65,000 wild horses and burros live in government holding pens. In 2023 alone, this system cost taxpayers over $109 million.
“There are more compassionate and fiscally responsible ways to manage these populations,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “Caring for wild horses and burros is not a partisan issue—it’s about doing what’s right.”
What the Wild Horse Caucus Aims to Change
The Wild Horse Caucus plans to lead the charge for long-term reform, pushing for methods that are humane, cost-effective, and ecologically sound. Rather than relying on removals, the caucus promotes strategies that keep wild horses on the range and reduce conflict through smart management.
Key areas of focus include:
- Using proven fertility control methods like PZP (porcine zona pellucida), a non-hormonal vaccine that safely reduces herd growth
- Preserving and restoring natural habitats to support balanced herd distribution
- Increasing oversight and accountability within BLM operations
- Encouraging cooperation with Indigenous tribes, conservationists, ranchers, and local communities
“How we treat animals is a direct reflection of who we are,” said Rep. Steve Cohen. “Wild horses and burros are a living part of our history, and it’s our duty to protect them.”
Support from Animal Welfare Organizations
The caucus has already earned strong praise from leading animal advocacy groups. Both the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and the American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC) have spent years fighting to change how the federal government treats wild horses.
“The Congressional Wild Horse Caucus will help ensure these beloved animals are protected for generations to come,” said Dr. Joanna Grossman, AWI’s equine program director.
“This is an important step toward reforming a broken system,” added Suzanne Roy, executive director of AWHC. “Roundups don’t solve the problem—they shift it. We need solutions rooted in science, not tradition.”
These groups have documented the long-term benefits of fertility control, which not only prevents overpopulation but allows herds to remain in their natural habitats—where they belong.
Lawmakers Are Already Taking Action
Just days before the caucus launched, Reps. Buchanan, Ciscomani, Schweikert, and Fitzpatrick sent a formal letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The letter urged the department to end reliance on helicopter roundups and expand the use of fertility control methods on public lands.
Their message was clear: federal agencies must adopt strategies that are humane, effective, and grounded in evidence, rather than outdated, expensive, and harmful approaches.
A National Commitment to America’s Wild Heritage
The formation of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus marks a new chapter for wild equine policy in the U.S. It’s not just a policy shift—it’s a cultural turning point. Lawmakers from both parties have made it clear: wild horses and burros are not expendable. They are symbols of American freedom, and their protection reflects the values of a compassionate, forward-looking society.
“This gives us hope,” said Marla Jenkins, a volunteer with a Nevada-based wild horse rescue group. “We’ve waited years for someone in power to take this seriously. Now there’s finally a group that might actually change things.”
With bipartisan support, strong advocacy, and public pressure growing, the Wild Horse Caucus is poised to become a powerful force in shaping a better future—for both wild horses and the land they call home.
