Iron County Begins 'Feral' Horse Roundup Amid Drought Concerns

Iron County officials are taking decisive action to manage the competition between feral horses, cattle, and wildlife on drought-stricken lands. The county plans to round up and relocate horses from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) range in southwestern Utah, focusing on branded horses with no apparent owner.

Roundup Strategy and Legal Considerations

"Rather than putting ourselves in a position to end up getting injunctions and lawsuits, we are going to stay in the clear and start by gathering horses on private land," said David Miller, chair of the Iron County Commission. "We will focus on astray and feral horses so we don’t get into a sticking point with state or federal laws."

The roundup will target feral horses released by owners who can no longer afford to care for them. These horses are distinct from wild horses, which are protected under the federal Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.

Impact of Drought and Federal Regulations

The issue is exacerbated by drought conditions, which have led to a 50% reduction in cattle grazing permits on public lands. The captured horses will be moved to private property, fed by the BLM, and eventually relocated to federal holding facilities for public adoption.

Plans to include wild horses in the roundup will proceed once further details are finalized with the BLM. Under federal law, unauthorized removal of wild horses or burros from public land can result in fines or imprisonment.

Controversy and Future Plans

Miller contends that the BLM is not managing the herds as required by federal law, asserting his authority under Utah State Code to organize the roundup. The county aims to align wild horse populations with federal guidelines to mitigate the impact on the range.

For more information, refer to the original article by The Salt Lake Tribune.