BLM Plans to Begin Wild Horse Gather Amid Legal Challenges
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is preparing to commence a wild horse gather in Colorado, initially delayed due to a lawsuit challenging the operation. The legal action, spearheaded by several advocacy groups, aims to halt the roundup, citing environmental concerns and the protection of wild horses.
Legal Challenges and Delays
The BLM plans to start the gather on Wednesday, two days later than originally scheduled, due to a lawsuit filed by the Cloud Foundation and other plaintiffs. Agency spokesman Christopher Joyner stated that the delay was to allow the courts time to review the case. Despite the legal challenge, the BLM intends to proceed unless directed otherwise by the courts.
Activists are seeking an injunction to prevent the roundup from beginning before further litigation. Paula Todd King of the Cloud Foundation mentioned that a federal judge's ruling is awaited following a four-hour hearing.
BLM's Objectives and Concerns
The BLM aims to remove 167 "excess" horses from the White River Field Office jurisdiction, focusing on the West Douglas Herd Area. The agency considers this area unsuitable for wild horses due to its remoteness, difficult access, lack of summer range, and range damage. Joyner emphasized these points in defense of the gather.
Opponents argue that the BLM has not conducted the necessary environmental analysis and is unfairly blaming wild horses for damage caused by livestock. They fear the potential elimination of horses from the West Douglas area, which they claim has been home to these animals for centuries.
Gather Methods and Potential Impacts
The BLM plans to use bait, water, and helicopters to gather the horses. Horse advocates express concern over potential physical harm to the animals during the operation. Joyner assured that a two-day delay would not significantly impact the gather, which is expected to last 10 to 12 working days. However, further delays could pose challenges due to winter conditions affecting vehicle access.
The BLM will provide updates on the gather's progress through its White River Field Office website.
For more information, visit the BLM's White River Field Office website.