Tenth Circuit Considers New Appeal to Block Wild Horse Roundup

Wild horse advocates are actively opposing a planned roundup near the Red Desert. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) intends to gather wild horses from a mix of public and private lands near Rock Springs, known as the Checkerboard. Local landowners who graze livestock have requested the removal of these horses.

The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) and other groups are suing the BLM to prevent the roundup. Recently, the BLM agreed to delay the roundup until at least September 12th, as the Tenth Circuit Court considers an appeal to keep the horses in their current habitat.

Wild horse advocate Paula King argues that the BLM is not adhering to legal requirements. “Our lawsuit is based on having them complete the requirements that they are supposed to complete,” she states.

King claims that the BLM aims to gather the horses before the fiscal year ends to avoid losing budget allocations. She accuses them of bypassing National Environmental Policy Act requirements to spend excess funds, thereby maintaining their budget for the following year.

“It’s robbing us of the legacy of our wild horse herds,” she says. “You know, we cannot look at our public lands just for their economic value.”

King further asserts that the BLM is managing public land primarily for livestock, rather than for multiple uses.

A decision from the court is expected by September 11th.

Originally Posted By Wyoming Public Radio