BLM and Horse Advocates Clash Over Wild Horse Removal Near Carson City

CARSON CITY, NV—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign) are currently at odds over the recent removal of wild horses near Carson City. The BLM cites public safety concerns, while the conservation group questions the necessity and transparency of the action.

The American Wild Horse Conservation issued a press release stating that "despite refusing to provide any documentation, the BLM issued a press release asserting that it removed the wild horses from the Deer Run Road area near Carson City because in the past few years, four horses have been struck and killed by vehicles. The agency is presently stating that the horses were removed because they were outside the Pine Nut Mountains Herd Management Area, their federally-designated range."

The conservation group further claims that information obtained from local residents, the Nevada Department of Transportation, the local Sheriff's Department, and the BLM itself indicates no accidents involving horses were reported in the area in the past two years. Public safety complaints related only to one horse and his colt being removed by the BLM in or before August 2012. No complaints were received regarding the horses removed by the BLM last week, and Deer Run Road, where the horses visited, is actually inside the designated herd management area.

"The BLM's unwillingness to take reasonable steps to keep this small wild horse family free on the range is telling," said Deniz Bolbol, communications director for the American Wild Horse Conservation. "This agency is hell-bent on removing wild horses from their homes on the range, despite the costs to taxpayers, local communities, and to the horses themselves."

Leon Thomas, the BLM Field Director in charge of the Deer Run Horse issue, stated that the removal was due to public safety concerns. "Horses were in the city park and neighborhoods, and it was a public safety concern," said Thomas. "Horses have been habitually going into the park and being fed. We had to mitigate as it was a safety concern."

Thomas acknowledged the disagreement between the BLM and the American Wild Horse Conservation, noting that a public meeting was held at the BLM district office in Carson City where residents could comment. Despite reviewing public concerns, the BLM maintained that safety concerns persisted.

The American Wild Horse Conservation reports that the wild horses are currently being held at the Carson City Prison.