---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1331"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "1331"
heading: "Congressional findings and declaration of policy"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/1331"
units:
  - "Chapter 30 — Wild Horses and Burros: Protection, Management, and Control"
---

# §1331. Congressional findings and declaration of policy


Congress finds and declares that [wild free-roaming horses and burros](/usc/16/1332.md?p=b) are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West; that they contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people; and that these horses and burros are fast disappearing from the American scene. It is the policy of Congress that [wild free-roaming horses and burros](/usc/16/1332.md?p=b) shall be protected from capture, branding, harassment, or death; and to accomplish this they are to be considered in the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) where presently found, as an integral part of the natural system of the [public lands](/usc/16/1332.md?p=e).


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 92–195, § 1, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 649.)

## Notes

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Short Title

Pub. L. 92–195, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 649, which enacted this chapter, is popularly known as the “Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act”.