The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently released its annual plan for gathering and fertility control operations for wild horses and burros.
The BLM plans to gather at least 22,000 wild horses and burros from overpopulated herds, according to a BLM press release. Approximately 19,000 of the animals will be removed and at least 2,300 animals will undergo fertility control treatment and be released on public lands.
"The BLM is committed to the safety of the wild horses and burros entrusted to our care," BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning said in the release. "Our gather efforts, handling standards, and fertility control work are guided by our compassion for these animals and our desire to protect their well-being, as well as the health of our public lands."
These efforts will advance the Department of the Interior's goal to reduce the risk of starvation, thirst, and habitat destruction for wild horses and burros, the BLM stated. In August 2021, the BLM launched emergency measures to gather burros and wild horses that were in danger on drought-stricken lands or venturing into traffic.
"As one of the agencies charged with the responsibility to protect and manage America’s wild horses and burros, the BLM is prepared to take emergency action where we can in order to save the lives of these cherished animals," Nada Wolff Culver BLM deputy director, Policy and Programs said in the release.
In July, the Bureau announced the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Incentive Program. The program has increased the number of animals placed in private care, and to date, more than 8,250 wild horses and burros have been adopted, according to a BLM release.
"We are committed to the health and safety of adopted wild horses and burros," Culver said. "While the vast majority of adopters already adhere to our requirements to provide a good and caring home, the BLM is now taking additional steps to secure the health and safety of adopted animals."
For the upcoming months, BLM has plans to launch reforms designed to strengthen protections for adopted animals.
Gather and fertility control operations are planned to continue through September.
