In a landmark victory for wildlife advocates and lovers of the American West, the first-ever Congressional Wild Horse Caucus has officially launched, offering renewed hope for the protection and future of our nation’s iconic wild horses and burros. Spearheaded by U.S. Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), David Schweikert (R-AZ), and Steve Cohen (D-TN), this bipartisan effort marks a historic turning point in the way America safeguards its federally protected wild herds.
The newly formed caucus is dedicated to promoting humane, science-based strategies for managing wild horses and burros in their natural habitats across the United States. According to its mission, the caucus will focus on advancing practical, compassionate alternatives to the controversial and costly helicopter roundups that have become the federal government’s default approach.
“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 Congresswoman Dina Titus. “These icons of the American West deserve to be treated humanely, and the bipartisan Wild Horse Caucus can lay the groundwork for better management of these herds by the Bureau of Land Management.”
For decades, wild horses and burros have been subject to mass removals, with more than 65,000 currently confined in government holding facilities. These roundups cost taxpayers over $109 million just last fiscal year, sparking public outcry and prompting urgent calls for reform.
Leading the charge toward lasting change is American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC), the nation’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to protecting wild horses and burros on public lands. For years, AWHC has been at the forefront of the movement, fighting for responsible stewardship rooted in compassion, science, and fiscal common sense.
“This is an important step toward reforming a broken system,” said Suzanne Roy, executive director of AWHC. “For too long, federal wild horse policy has relied on costly and inhumane roundups that remove animals from the range, only to warehouse them in holding facilities. We commend the leaders of the Wild Horse Caucus for recognizing that there’s a better way to manage our wild herds that is rooted in humane treatment, science, and fiscal responsibility.”
From advocating for humane fertility control to pushing for habitat preservation and stronger legal protections, AWHC’s work has laid the foundation for this pivotal moment. Their efforts ensure that wild horses and burros remain where they belong: wild and free on the open range.
The formation of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus represents more than a policy shift, it’s a sign of growing national commitment to treating animals with dignity and care. It is, at its heart, a promise to future generations that America’s wild legacy will be preserved.
To help protect these majestic animals and support the critical work of American Wild Horse Conservation, please consider making a donation HERE!
