The Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971
The Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-195) was passed unanimously by Congress and signed into law by President Richard Nixon, who said upon signing the bill: 'We need the tonic of wildness..." Wild horses are one of only two federally protected species in the US, the bald eagle being the other.
The first paragraph reads:
"Congress finds and declares that wild free-roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West; that they contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people; and that these horses and burros are fast disappearing from the American scene. It is the policy of Congress that wild free-roaming horses and burros shall be protected from capture, branding, harassment, or death; and to accomplish this they are to be considered in the area where presently found, as an integral part of the natural system of the public lands."
Since the Act was signed in 1971, it has undergone many amendments and these amendments have been a huge detriment to wild horse and burro herds across the American west. The Burns Amendment in 2004 is one of the most damaging amendments.
The first paragraph reads:
"Congress finds and declares that wild free-roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West; that they contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people; and that these horses and burros are fast disappearing from the American scene. It is the policy of Congress that wild free-roaming horses and burros shall be protected from capture, branding, harassment, or death; and to accomplish this they are to be considered in the area where presently found, as an integral part of the natural system of the public lands."
Since the Act was signed in 1971, it has undergone many amendments and these amendments have been a huge detriment to wild horse and burro herds across the American west. The Burns Amendment in 2004 is one of the most damaging amendments.
The original law can be seen here and in the 3 graphics below: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-85/pdf/STATUTE-85-Pg649.pdf
This graphic gives you a timeline of the amendments and changes to the Act:
And here is a copy of the Act with amendments included: www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/programs_wildhorse_history_doc1.pdf
