There is a law in the United States that sounds like the title of a romantic Western: the "Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act." It was passed in 1971 and is unique in the world: animals legally considered "wild" have received protection on federal lands. No other country has such a law. Behind it is a long history of struggle, cruelty, and hope. Today, this law is both a shield and a point of contention. We tell you how it works, why it is needed, and why it causes disputes.

Background: how mustangs became a problem

When Europeans brought horses to America, many escaped or were released. By the 19th century, millions of mustangs roamed the prairies. Farmers and cattlemen considered them competitors for pastures and water. Mass extermination began: mustangs were shot, poisoned, captured for vivisection (sold for cat food, fertilizer). By the 1950s, the population had decreased to 25,000-30,000 individuals. Wilma J. Barrett, the "Wild Horse Annie," fought for mustangs. Thanks to her campaign, letters to Congress, and documentaries, public opinion changed. In 1959, the first law to protect mustangs was passed, but it was weak. The real breakthrough came in 1971 when President Richard Nixon signed the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

Key Provisions of the Law

The law declared wild horses and burros "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West." They received protection on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. Important points: prohibition on capturing, torturing, killing these animals without special permission; recognition of them as part of the natural environment, not "feral livestock"; the obligation of BLM to manage the population "at a level that will allow a healthy balance" with other species and land use. However, the law does not give animals the right to breed uncontrollably. BLM can capture excess horses and transfer them to private hands (adoption). But killing them is prohibited.

How Population Management Works

Every 3-4 years, BLM conducts a count of the horse population. The "appropriate management level" (AML) is determined for each area. Excesses (usually several thousand heads annually) are captured using helicopters (herded into traps). Then the horses are sent to holding centers, where they can be adopted for a small fee ($125). Since 1971, more than 250,000 mustangs have found new owners. However, the problem is that not all horses are adopted. Today, there are about 50,000 horses in holding centers. Their maintenance costs taxpayers nearly $50 million a year. Critics say this is a "zoo in the open air."

Criticism and Legal Battles

The law is criticized by cattlemen (horses destroy grass intended for cows). Some ecologists support them: horses are not indigenous to America (they were exterminated 10,000 years ago and returned with Europeans). Therefore, they are considered an invasive species, trampling rare plants. Animal protectionists (such as the organization "Return to Freedom") demand an end to helicopter captures (stress for animals) and increased use of contraceptives (vaccine PZP). Both sides file lawsuits. In 2025, BLM proposed a new plan: sterilizing stallions in herds to reduce birth rates. The plan was approved, but implemented slowly.

Life of Adopted Mustangs

People adopt mustangs not just for salvation. Wild horses make excellent riding horses after training. There are competitions like "Extreme Mustang Makeover," where trainers must break a wild mustang in 100 days and show it at a competition. Adoption gives the animal a home and frees up space in holding centers. However, many mustangs, especially adults, remain in pens, unsuitable for riding. Their fate is lifelong imprisonment. In 2026, the "Adoption at a Distance" program was launched: people can financially support a horse without taking it.

Donkeys: neglected relatives

The 1971 law also mentions wild burros. They are also descendants of escaped animals (brought by Spaniards). There are about 11,000 wild burros in the United States, mainly in California, Arizona, and Nevada. They are less popular than mustangs, and their problems are in the shadow. Donkeys live longer than horses (up to 40 years), which complicates population management. They are also captured and adopted. Tamed donkeys are excellent pack animals and companions for other horses.

Current Challenges (2026)

By 2026, the wild horse population in the United States has grown to 80,000 individuals (with an AML of about 26,000). Holding centers are overcrowded. The PZP contraception works, but it is difficult to apply in remote areas. BLM is testing new methods: sterilizing stallions without capture (stunning darts). The Wild Horse Act is being reconsidered in Congress. In 2025, a bill was introduced allowing the euthanasia of "unadoptable" horses. Animal protectionists called it the "Death Law." It has not passed yet. The debate continues. Meanwhile, climate change is reducing water sources, intensifying conflicts.

International Context

There is no law similar to the American one anywhere. In Australia, brumbies are considered pests and are shot from helicopters. In Europe, wild ponies (camargue, exmure) are protected by local authorities, but there is no federal law. Canada also does not have a special law. Therefore, the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act is unique. It often serves as an example for activists in other countries, but its implementation shows that even a perfect law does not solve all problems.

The Wild Horse and Burro Act is a compromise. A compromise between romance and reality, between animal protection and economic interests, between history and ecology. Today, wild mustangs still run through the prairies of Nevada. And the law giving them the right to life is not just a legal document. It is a reminder: even in pragmatic America, there is room for dreams. But this dream requires money, patience, and a willingness to argue.

Permanent link to this publication: