Pros And Cons Of Wild Mustangs

Over the last 10 years, western America has seen a drastic increase in its wild mustang populations. Mustangs are an icon and have always been a part of American history but these rising populations can no longer be supported on the public lands they call home. This decline in availability of rangeland is due to a large increase in livestock production on public lands which has created a survival of the fittest situation between wild and domestic livestock herds. Rising mustang populations have also triggered a major custody battle among the U.S government and its many animal advocate groups. The question regarding whose responsibility these horses are is not easily answered and we still question whether or not these animal are in fact

There are two main arguments surrounding the issue and very little compromise has been made.

Within western America, there is a major custody battle between the U.S government and animal advocate groups regarding the rising wild mustang and burro populations. It’s estimated that nearly 33,000 wild mustangs and burros call the nearly 200 million acres of publicly owned land home. Mustangs embody the spirit of America and its people, which is why the issue of controlling overpopulation is such a controversial and sensitive topic. This American icon was first introduced by Spanish conquistadors in 1493 and has flourished in both domestic and wild forms ever since (De Steiger, 2011). Many are unaware of the difference between a wild and domesticated horse, so it can be hard to understand and appreciate the true value of the breed. From a behavioral standpoint, they are both from the same species but when we take a closer look the mustang is much more genetically and physically diverse than their domesticated cousins, and although they share many of the same behaviors when it comes to durability and natural instinct the mustang is incomparable to any other equine in the

There is simply not enough available land or resources available to support such a large and growing population nor is there enough money to support both wild and captured herds. Something must be done in order to protect both our American heritage as well as our public lands or we might lose them all. It is up to both the government and animal advocacy groups to work together to come up with a more sustainable and humane solution to the growing population. There also must be better communication between these two groups so that they can each better understand how the problem came to be and how we can figure out an appropriate solution. And in order to humanely manage the growing populations, we must determine the rights of wild horses, decide on more sustainable and humane population control methods and determine a more sustainable way to graze livestock within these public land areas. As a nation, we must find a practical solution to the problem before it is too