BLM Can't Legally Choose Grazing Over Wild Horses — Lawsuit

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is facing a lawsuit for allegedly prioritizinglivestockgrazing over the protection of wild horses in Nevada. The lawsuit, filed by wild horse advocate groups and the Western Watersheds Project, claims thatBLM's actions violate the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.

Lawsuit Details

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, argues thatBLMcannot remove wild horses from a protected herd management area due to a lack of forage and habitat while allowing thousands of cattle and sheep to graze there. The complaint states that this decision violates federal law, which mandates the protection and management of wild horses as symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West.

The complaint seeks a court ruling to haltBLM's roundup of wild horses from the Caliente Complex until the agency complies with federal law. Suzanne Roy, executive director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), emphasized the importance of protecting wild horses from being displaced by privatelivestockgrazing.

BLM's Position and Actions

WhileBLMhas not commented on the pending litigation, the agency conducted an environmental assessment for the proposed roundup of over 1,700 wild horses from the Caliente Herd Area. The roundups are planned to occur in phases over a decade to manage growing herd sizes, which can double every four years due to the lack of natural predators.

Currently, about 82,000 wild horses and burros roam federal herd management areas, exceeding the appropriate management level.BLM's budget constraints and the cost of caring for unadopted animals are significant challenges.

Congressional Involvement

Congress has been involved in addressing the growing herds, rejecting proposals to remove restrictions on the sale or transfer of wild horses and the use of euthanasia for unadoptable animals. The legal complaint also criticizesBLMfor not considering alternatives or providing data to justify the removal of wild horses from the Caliente Complex.

Advocates' Concerns

Advocates question the logic of removing wild horses while allowing extensivelivestockgrazing. Bill Eubanks, representing the advocacy groups, argues thatBLM's decision to eliminate wild horses from the Caliente Complex violates federal law and calls for the court to protect these animals.

Originally posted by E&E News