American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC) is hailing the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025 as a groundbreaking bill that takes meaningful steps to reform the costly and cruel federal wild horse and burro program. The bill was reintroduced today by U.S. Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV), Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).
The legislation mandates the phase-out of cruel and unethical helicopter roundups over the next two years. As a critical interim step, the bill requires the immediate installation of cameras on helicopters used during roundups, providing the public with much-needed transparency regarding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) operations. Finally, the bill mandates a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report to evaluate humane alternatives to the use of helicopters for managing wild horses and burros, the job opportunities these alternatives could create, and the effects of helicopter roundups on these majestic animals.
Helicopter roundups have long been condemned for the severe stress and injury they inflict on wild horses and burros. In one disturbing incident last summer, AWHC observers documented a BLM contractor kicking and punching a collapsed wild horse. This blatant act of cruelty would have gone unseen if not for AWHC’s presence on the ground, underscoring the urgent need for greater transparency and oversight during these operations.
“For too long, wild horses have suffered behind closed doors,” said Suzanne Roy, Executive Director of AWHC. “By demanding both accountability and a shift toward more humane management, this legislation represents a major turning point in wild horse protection. We commend Reps Titus, Cohen, and Cisicomani for their leadership in protecting our nation’s wild herds and championing reform.”
All bill sponsors are cochairs of the bipartisan Wild Horse Caucus, which is dedicated to protecting and preserving wild horses and burros in their natural habitats.
Over 100,000 citizens have signed a “Halt the Helicopters” petition, calling for an end to helicopter roundups. Additionally, over 64,000 Americans have called on the BLM to increase transparency and end cruelty during roundups by installing cameras on all helicopters used in wild horse and burro roundups.
“This bill is a direct response to the will of the American people,” said Suzanne Roy, Executive Director of AWHC. “It shines a light on a system that has operated in secrecy for far too long and lays the foundation for a more humane and transparent future for our nation’s iconic wild horses and burros.”
AWHC urges swift passage of the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025 and will continue advocating for comprehensive, humane reform rooted in science, public values, and the preservation of America’s wild heritage.
