BLM and Horse Advocates Clash Over Wild Horse Removal Near Carson City

CARSON CITY, NV—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign) are currently at odds over the recent removal of wild horses near Carson City. TheBLMcites public safety concerns, while the conservation group questions the necessity and transparency of the action.

The American Wild Horse Conservation issued a press release stating that "despite refusing to provide any documentation, theBLMissued a press release asserting that it removed the wild horses from the Deer Run Road area near Carson City because in the past few years, four horses have been struck and killed by vehicles. The agency is presently stating that the horses were removed because they were outside the Pine Nut Mountains Herd Management Area, their federally-designated range."

The conservation group further claims that information obtained from local residents, the Nevada Department of Transportation, the local Sheriff's Department, and theBLMitself indicates no accidents involving horses were reported in the area in the past two years. Public safety complaints related only to one horse and his colt being removed by theBLMin or before August 2012. No complaints were received regarding the horses removed by theBLMlast week, and Deer Run Road, where the horses visited, is actually inside the designated herd management area.

Leon Thomas, theBLMField Director in charge of the Deer Run Horse issue, stated that the removal was due to public safety concerns. "Horses were in the city park and neighborhoods, and it was a public safety concern," said Thomas. "Horses have been habitually going into the park and being fed. We had to mitigate as it was a safety concern."

Thomas acknowledged the disagreement between theBLMand the American Wild Horse Conservation, noting that a public meeting was held at theBLMdistrict office in Carson City where residents could comment. Despite reviewing public concerns, theBLMmaintained that safety concerns persisted.

The American Wild Horse Conservation reports that the wild horses are currently being held at the Carson City Prison.