Wild and free-roaming horses and burros: protection: roundup moratorium.
If AJR 26 is adopted, it would urge federal agencies such as the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) to restore wild horses and burros to their designated habitats throughout California. This restoration is seen as necessary for ensuring genetic viability and maintaining natural herd dynamics, which have been threatened by inadequate land management practices and policies to date that favor livestock interests over those of the wild equine species.
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 26 (AJR 26), introduced by Assembly Member Luz Rivas, addresses the protection of wild and free-roaming horses and burros in California. The resolution calls on federal authorities to implement an immediate moratorium on any further roundups of these animals, emphasizing the importance of their preservation within California’s ecosystems. It points out that the historical habitat of wild horses and burros has been significantly reduced over the years, and argues that their presence is vital for ecological balance and wildfire mitigation in the state.
There are notable points of contention regarding the resolution. Supporters argue that wild horses and burros enhance biodiversity and play a critical role in the ecological mechanisms needed to prevent catastrophic wildfires, notably as climate change intensifies these events. Critics, however, may contend that maintaining large populations of these animals could lead to overgrazing and resource depletion, raising questions about land use priorities and the balance between livestock needs and wildlife conservation.