Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025
Summary
The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025 aims to amend the Wild Free-roaming Horses and Burros Act. It seeks to prohibit certain uses of aircraft in managing wild horses and burros. The bill emphasizes humane treatment and cost-effective alternatives like fertility control.
Expected Effects
The Act will phase out the use of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for rounding up wild horses and burros over two years. It mandates the use of cameras on aircraft used for such purposes and requires a GAO report on humane alternatives and their economic impact.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced stress and injury to wild horses and burros during roundups.
- Potential cost savings for taxpayers by using more cost-effective management methods.
- Increased transparency through mandatory camera use on aircraft.
- Encouragement of more humane alternatives like fertility control.
- Job creation opportunities in implementing humane alternatives.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential initial costs associated with transitioning to alternative management methods.
- Possible delays in managing wild horse and burro populations during the phase-out period.
- Uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of alternative methods in controlling population growth.
- Potential resistance from contractors who currently provide aircraft roundup services.
- The GAO report may reveal unforeseen challenges or limitations of alternative methods.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with Congress's power to manage public lands and resources, as implied by Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Constitution. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The focus on humane treatment and efficient resource management supports the general welfare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).