CCSO Ensures Safety at Wild Horse Auction Amidst Tensions

Churchill County Sheriff Ben Trotter, along with wild horse advocates, attended a tense auction at the Fallon Livestock Exchange. While the sheriff's team ensured order, advocates were vigilant about horse branding compliance.

Ensuring Peace and Compliance

The CCSO, led by Trotter, was present to maintain peace after the auction owner received threats. Despite some confrontations, no dangerous incidents occurred.

Advocates, including Deniz Bolbol of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), were present to verify that horses sold were properly branded.

Legal and Tribal Disputes

A judge's ruling temporarily halted the sale of unbranded horses, gathered by a Nevada tribe, for potential slaughter. U.S. District Judge Miranda Du noted that a portion of the horses might be protected under the 1971 Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

Concerns were raised about the Fort McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribe's horse gathering practices. State brand inspectors claimed most horses were branded, while the tribe provided affidavits for ownership.

Tribal and Advocate Perspectives

Maxine Smart, chairwoman of the tribe, stated that all horses were gathered on reservation land, with some claimed by family members of deceased tribal members. She emphasized the need to manage horse populations to protect rangelands and public safety.

Bolbol highlighted the importance of verifying horse branding to prevent unauthorized sales.

For more details, visit the original article by The Nevada Appeal.