16 USC § 1331 - Congressional findings and declaration of policy

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t16/s1331"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_prima_facie"
title: "16 USC § 1331 - Congressional findings and declaration of policy"
title_number: 16
title_name: "CONSERVATION"
section_number: "1331"
section_name: "Congressional findings and declaration of policy"
chapter_number: 30
chapter_name: "WILD HORSES AND BURROS: PROTECTION, MANAGEMENT, AND CONTROL"
positive_law: false
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-17"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 92–195, § 1, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 649.)"
---


# § 1331. Congressional findings and declaration of policy

Congress finds and declares that wild free-roaming horses and burros 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 shall be protected from capture, branding, harassment, or death; and to accomplish this they are to be considered in the area where presently found, as an integral part of the natural system of the public lands.

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

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Short Title

, , , which enacted this chapter, is popularly known as the “Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act”.