These icons of the American West still need help. We can end the capture and killing of thousands of horses every year.
Wild horses—mustangs—inhabit the plains and mountains of ten western states. For years, ranchers have pressured the government to control their numbers by rounding them up and offering them to the public for adoption.
There aren't enough homes, so tens of thousands of wild horses are held in facilities—a far cry from the freedom and close social connections of their natural lives.
In 2004, a change to the law made it legal for wild horses in holding facilities to be sold for slaughter. Help The HSUS restore legal protections to wild horses and burros and persuade the government to manage populations with humane, effective, economical methods.
Wild Horses Need Protection from Deadly Virus
The HSUS is urging the federal government to take steps to protect wild horse herds from a highly contageous virus that has hit domestic horses in the West.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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September 20, 2011
Leading Horse Welfare Experts Gather for International Conference
The International Equine Conference (September 26–28) will take on horse slaughter, cruelty, and the treatment of wild horses and burros.
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August 22, 2011
Waikoloa Nightingales: The Plight of the Iconic Donkeys of West Hawaii
The HSUS is involved in efforts to humanely control Hawaii’s wild donkey population, which has gone unmanaged for years and now faces limited resources for survival.
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August 8, 2011
Nearly 50 Wild Horses Spared from Illegal Slaughter in Mexico
The HSUS applauds the swift action taken by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Land Management to impound 47 wild horses presumed to be bound to a Mexican slaughter plant.
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July 13, 2011
The HSUS Calls for More Transparency and Humane Treatment at Wild Horse Gathers
The HSUS released a report it recently submitted to the Bureau of Land Management, calling on the agency to make several critical improvements to its standard operating procedures (SOP) for wild horse gathers.
Our Victories
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December 29, 2011
2011: Beautiful Victories for Animals in Laboratories
What do Botox, the Endangered Species Act, and biomedical research have in common? Find out about The HSUS's work to protect animals in laboratories in 2011.
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January 6, 2011
Ohio Rule Issued to Prohibit Dangerous Wild Animals as Pets
The HSUS applauds Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland for issuing an executive order that prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals as pets.
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January 5, 2011
Shark Conservation Act Signed into Law to Curb Cruel Shark Finning
The HSUS, HSI and the Humane Society Legislative Fund applaud President Barack Obama for signing an important bipartisan bill that will increase protection for sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.
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December 21, 2010
Shark Conservation Act Wins Final Congressional Approval
The HSUS, Humane Society International and the Humane Society Legislative Fund commend the U.S. House for giving final congressional approval to legislation that will increase protection for sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.