Wyoming Wild Horse Roundup Continues Amid Counting Dispute

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming wild horse roundup continues after a judge declined to halt it during an ongoing lawsuit. The dispute centers around the government's method of counting the horses, with advocates challenging the current approach.

As of Sunday, U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) contract workers had rounded up 1,367 adult horses and 350 foals. The BLM plans to round up 1,560 adults plus the foals of gathered mares in three areas in southwestern Wyoming.

The lawsuit questions how the government counts the horses. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) and two photographers claim the roundup can't exceed 1,560 horses of all ages.

The horse advocates asked U.S. District Judge Nancy Freudenthal to stop the roundup while their lawsuit moves ahead. Freudenthal ruled Friday that the roundup may continue.

BLM officials say they're pleased. Horse advocates express disappointment but note that Freudenthal has yet to rule on the counting method.

Originally posted by US News