We are celebrating a pivotal announcement from Senator John Hoeven, who received a commitment from the National Park Service that wild horses will continue to inhabit Theodore Roosevelt National Park. While the decision marks progress, we are emphasizing the necessity of keeping a herd of approximately 200 wild horses to maintain genetic viability.

As symbols of American freedom, mustangs hold a special place in the hearts of many and are an integral part of U.S. heritage. This recent development is a step in the right direction, but further actions are necessary. Over 17,000 In Defense of Animals supporters wrote to the park service calling for the mustangs to remain and be reclassified as native wildlife rather than livestock, recognizing their rightful status and promoting conservation efforts that reflect their ecological and cultural significance.

“We are heartened by the National Park Service’s commitment to keep majestic mustangs, but the entire current herd of wild horses must remain in Theodore Roosevelt National Park to protect their health and genetic viability. Additionally, the park's incorrect designation of wild horses as ‘livestock’ must be changed back to the original correct classification of ‘wildlife.’ We will continue to advocate for wild animals to be protected on public lands where they belong, ensuring their freedom and survival for many years to come.”

- Fleur Dawes, Communications Director, In Defense of Animals

Park visitors have also remarked about the large, open, running sores on many of the wild horse mares caused by the National Park Service’s GonaCon sterilization drug use, which was uncovered through a Freedom of Information Act request. PZP is the darting method that should be used for wild horse birth control, not GonaCon. As a result of the experimental use of GonaCon since 2009, seventy-nine percent of mares in the park who were initially treated with GonaCon and given a booster in 2013 have not regained fertility, which threatens genetic diversity.

Across the country, thousands of wild horses are being violently rounded up and corralled in horrendous conditions to make way for private, public-subsidized animal-exploiting livestock ranching.

We encourage our supporters to contact Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland at 202-208-3100 to request that the National Park Service, the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management immediately discontinue the use of GonaCon. 

Learn more about how we help wild horses and burros and please consider making a donation to support our work on this issue.