Right now, helicopters are chasing wild horses across California's Mono Basin, forcing them into government holding facilities at enormous cost to taxpayers — even though a proven, humane alternative exists.

On-range fertility control works. It has reduced wild horse populations in other parts of the American West without traumatic roundups, without the expense of long-term holding, and without the violation of tribal cultural ties to these herds. The Utu Utu Gwaitu Benton Paiute Tribe, American Wild Horse Conservation, and local scientists put a full alternative plan on the table for the Mono Basin herd. The U.S. Forest Service ignored it.

Instead of pausing to consider fertility control, establishing a Tribal Wild Horse Management Council, or developing a tribally operated adoption program, the agency defaulted to the same costly, controversial approach it has used for decades. The Mono Basin herd has deep cultural significance for the Benton Paiute people — that was dismissed too.

Helicopter roundups aren't cheaper or more effective. They are simply the path of least institutional resistance. Meanwhile, the horses pay the price.

Sign this petition to demand that Congress and the U.S. Forest Service end unnecessary helicopter roundups and replace them with science-based, humane on-range management — before more herds are removed and more tribal partnerships are broken.