A recent evaluation by a National Research Council committee sheds light on the National Wild Horses and Burros Program.
D: As protected animals under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, horses and burros removed from public lands cannot be slaughtered or euthanized if healthy. The animals moved from public lands are sold or adopted; moved to short-term holding facilities; and if unadoptable, moved to long-term holding facilities where they reside for the remainder of their natural life—generally about 15 years.