Sides Feud Over Temporary Ban on Wild Horse Roundup

Horse preservation groups have achieved a temporary victory in their efforts to block the federal government's plan to round up approximately 800 wild horses in Wyoming. The legal battle highlights the ongoing conflict between preservation efforts and land management policies.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Freudenthal of Cheyenne initially denied the groups' request for a preliminary injunction to halt the roundup. However, U.S. Magistrate Kelly Rankin later approved the groups' request to block the roundup through September 12.

Lawyers representing the state of Wyoming and the Rock Springs Grazing Association argue that Rankin lacked the authority to countermand Freudenthal's order. They are seeking to have Freudenthal overturn Rankin's decision.

The horse preservation groups have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), claiming that the agency did not comply with environmental laws when planning to remove wild horses from three herd management areas in southern Wyoming.

The BLM announced the roundup in accordance with a 2013 consent order issued by the U.S. District Court for Wyoming. This issue arose after the Rock Springs Grazing Association sued the BLM over the removal of horses from checkerboard lands in southwest Wyoming. The grazing group controls more than 730,000 acres in the area.

The state of Wyoming has intervened in the lawsuit, arguing that wild horses should not be allowed to damage the lands or interfere with private property rights. Governor Matt Mead stated that the horses pose a concern for livestock producers in the area and are putting pressure on other wildlife populations, including the sage grouse.

Star-Tribune staff writer Trevor Graff contributed to this report.

Originally Posted By Associated Press