Advocates Join Wild Horse Lawsuit to Protect Public Lands

Wild horse advocates have successfully intervened in a federal lawsuit concerning the management of wild horses in Nevada. They argue that their interests were not adequately represented by the existing parties in the case. This intervention highlights the ongoing debate over wild horse populations and their impact onpublic lands.

Background of the Lawsuit

The Nevada Association of Counties and the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation filed a lawsuit in December against federal authorities. They claimed that the growing wild horse populations were harming the range and other wildlife, including the horses themselves. The lawsuit demanded immediate action to round up excess horses and burros, proposing their sale, auction, or other means of disposal instead of long-term housing.

Advocates' Intervention

Two separate court motions were filed by wild horse advocates who believe the lawsuit aims to clear horses frompublic lands, potentially leading to their slaughter. Laura Leigh, president and founder of Wild Horse Education, argued that neither the plaintiffs nor the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) represented her interests. She described theBLMas an overworked and understaffed agency that relies on flawed data to manage wild horses.

Leigh, a photojournalist and educator on wild horses, emphasized that a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs could diminish her ability to enjoy these animals. She is also involved in a separate lawsuit challenging the boundaries of theOwyhee Complexand theBLM's claims of overpopulation.

Additional Intervenors

Following Leigh's motion, the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), along with Terri Farley and Mark Terrell, filed a joint motion to intervene. They argued that their aesthetic and business interests would be affected if theBLMagreed to the lawsuit's terms. Farley, an author, and Terrell, who runs Wild Horses of Nevada Photography, expressed concerns over theBLM's past settlements that did not protect wild horses.

Court's Decision

U.S. Magistrate Judge William G. Cobb allowed all applicants to intervene in the lawsuit, recognizing their distinct interests. The plaintiffs did not oppose the intervention but noted overlapping concerns among the intervenors.

In February, the Elko County Commission voted to contribute up to $10,000 to support NACO in the legal battle.

Originally posted by Elko Daily Free Press.