Mead on Motion to Dismiss Wild Horse Management Lawsuit

Governor Mead has taken a firm stance against the dismissal of Wyoming's lawsuit concerning the management of wild horses by federal agencies. The lawsuit, filed against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Department of the Interior, highlights the state's concerns over ecological balance and federal compliance with the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

Editor's Note: The motion to dismiss this lawsuit was filed by the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), The Cloud Foundation, Return to Freedom, and photographers Carol Walker and Kimerlee Curyl.

The State of Wyoming and Governor Matt Mead have responded to motions to dismiss the state's lawsuit over the federal government's failure to appropriately manage wild horses in Wyoming. The state had filed suit against the Bureau of Land Management and the Department of the Interior in December. Mead stated publicly that he wants the court to dismiss these motions, as he believes the state has a valid case.

The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act requires theBLMto manage wild horses and remove them when populations exceed set levels. Mead said the lawsuit asks that theBLMbe directed to follow the law.

Governor Mead stated that these motions to dismiss claim Wyoming is "trying to rewrite the law," which he argues is inaccurate. Mead claimed that theBLMhas failed to remove excess horses in seven Wyomingherd management areas, which contradicts the law.

Herds of wild horses will grow exponentially overBLM-determined ecologically appropriate numbers, Mead said, and population growth rates for these herds range from an annual low of 25 percent to a high of 58 percent.

"Wyoming range supports many wildlife species, including sage-grouse, antelope, deer, elk, and horses," Governor Mead said. TheBLM’s failure to manage the horses has forced Wyoming to seek legal action, he said, because "excess horses threaten the range and the animals that rely on it."

Originally Posted By Wyoming Governor's Office