1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2023 seeks to prohibit the use of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for rounding up or gathering wild free-roaming horses and burros. This legislation addresses concerns over the inhumane treatment and potential deadly consequences of chasing these animals over rough terrain for prolonged distances using aircraft. The findings highlight a tragic incident in 2022 where a young colt was chased by helicopter for miles, leading to grave injuries that necessitated euthanasia. The bill cites evidence that more humane and cost-effective alternatives exist for population control, such as fertility controls. The Bureau of Land Management has spent significant taxpayer funds on helicopter roundups, with over $57 million spent on such operations since 2006 and $22.5 million obligated specifically for helicopter roundups since 2017. This Act aims to provide a more humane method of capturing these protected animals while generating savings for taxpayers. It also mandates a report from the Government Accountability Office to explore further humane alternatives, job creation opportunities presented by such alternatives, and the effects of aircraft on wild horse and burro populations. By prohibiting the use of helicopters and aircraft for roundups, this legislation seeks to protect these iconic animals and align management practices with ethical and fiscally responsible considerations. Passing this Act would uphold the commitment to safeguarding wild free-roaming horses and burros while promoting more humane and sustainable population control methods.