The Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund have condemned the Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, which threatens to dismantle protections for wild horses and burros. The proposal, derived from the Project 2025 Mandate, seeks to cut funding for humane management and remove safeguards, potentially allowing for the slaughter of these federally protected animals for the first time in decades. This move represents a significant departure from the bipartisan consensus that has historically safeguarded these iconic creatures.
Critics, including Kitty Block and Sara Amundson, emphasize that the proposal disregards scientific evidence and public opposition, advocating instead for humane management solutions such as fertility control and expanded adoption programs. They argue that the proposed cuts and potential for slaughter would not address the core challenges of rangeland management and would lead to further population issues. The organizations stress the need for a sustainable, non-lethal approach to managing wild horse and burro populations.
Despite bipartisan support for humane solutions, the Bureau of Land Management has not fully implemented a comprehensive management plan. With over 73,000 wild horses and burros currently on public lands, advocates urge Congress to reject the budget proposal and instead invest in proven, humane alternatives to ensure the welfare of these animals, which symbolize the American West.
