Lawsuit Over Salt River Wild Horse Roundup Dismissed
MESA, AZ - A lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service concerning the potential roundup of Salt River wild horses has been dismissed, according to the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group. This decision comes after the U.S. Forest Service announced there are no current plans to round up the horses in the Tonto National Forest.
In a news release Tuesday, the management group stated that the lawsuit was dismissed "without prejudice," allowing for the possibility of refiling in the future.
In August, Tonto National Forest Supervisor Neil Bosworth postponed any action regarding the horses on the Salt River for at least 120 days. Bosworth expressed a desire to collaborate with the management group to find a humane solution to the horse management issue.
Public outcry earlier in August halted a proposed roundup of about 100 free-roaming horses. Some wilderness and wildlife experts have raised concerns that the animals are damaging river habitats and harming native plants, birds, and fish.
The Maricopa Audubon Society claims that the horses are not native to the area and that their grazing habits along the river are causing significant ecological issues.
The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group also announced plans to explore humane birth control methods for the horses during the 120-day period to manage the population effectively.