Kleppe v. New Mexico

Summary

The Supreme Court held that the Wild Free‑roaming Horses and Burros Act is a constitutional exercise of Congress’s power under the Property Clause, reversed the district court’s injunction and remanded for further proceedings. The Court reasoned that the Property Clause gives Congress broad authority to make needful regulations respecting public lands, including protection of wildlife, and that the Act does not unlawfully intrude on state sovereignty. The Court declined to decide the extent to which the Act may reach animals that stray onto private land.