On July 15, 2025, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Appropriations advanced key provisions in its Fiscal Year 2026 Interior and Environment funding bill, ensuring the continued protection of wild horses and burros by prohibiting their slaughter. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about the harmful impacts of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) traditional roundup and removal methods, which many consider costly and inhumane.
Advocates are urging the full committee to prioritize humane fertility control methods as an alternative, as part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on these harmful practices. The House bill includes $144 million for the BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Program, with a firm rejection of any measures that would allow for the transfer of these animals to foreign slaughter facilities.
The bill also comes on the heels of the introduction of the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025, which aims to phase out helicopter roundups and increase transparency through the use of cameras on helicopters.
This legislative effort reflects the growing bipartisan support for non lethal, humane management methods and further affirms the American public's desire to see wild horses and burros protected on public lands. Despite previous directives, the BLM has been slow to adopt humane alternatives, continuing to allocate minimal funds toward fertility control programs. However, the growing momentum for reform signals hope for more effective and compassionate management of these iconic animals.
At Whiskers, Paws and Love®, we deeply believe in the inherent right of all animals to live free from harm and suffering, and we are thrilled to see the U.S. House Subcommittee on Appropriations taking a significant step forward in protecting wild horses and burros.
The ongoing prohibition against their slaughter and the prioritization of humane alternatives, such as fertility control, reflects our collective responsibility to safeguard these majestic animals, whose very existence embodies the spirit of the American wilderness.
*We are hopeful that this bill, along with the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act, will pave the way for a future where these iconic creatures are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. As we continue to advocate for more compassionate policies, we stand proudly with all those working tirelessly to ensure that wild horses and burros are protected, preserved, and allowed to thrive in their natural habitats.
