The Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, commonly known as the “Mustang Act,” is a federal law that protects and manages wild horses and burros in the United States. The law was passed to ensure the conservation and management of these iconic animals, and to prevent their extinction.

The Mustang Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 15, 1971, and it has been amended several times since then. The law establishes wild horses and burros as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the United States,” and it requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to manage them in a manner that is consistent with their natural needs and multiple-use management of the public lands.

The law provides for the protection of wild horses and burros on public lands, and it prohibits the killing or harassment of these animals. It also establishes a system for the adoption of wild horses and burros by the public, and it provides for the humane treatment of these animals.

The Mustang Act is an important piece of legislation that has helped to protect and conserve wild horses and burros in the United States. It has also helped to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these animals and their habitats, and it has inspired many people to become involved in their conservation and management.