A federal court judge halted a Bureau of Land Management wild horse roundup yesterday after animal rights advocates filed a temporary restraining order, according to HorseChannel.com. Twelve horses died in the Elko County, Nev., roundup, which began on July 10.
The emergency order, issued by U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks, prohibits the BLM from further roundups until after a hearing, to be held today, July 15.
On the first day of the roundup, 228 horses were captured. By July 11, seven horses had died from dehydration after being herded by a helicopter. Four more horses subsequently died or were euthanized for similar problems, and one horse was euthanized due to a broken leg.
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Mustang advocates argue that the BLM violated its own policy, which prevents helicopter roundups until at least six weeks after the peak foaling season. The BLM maintains that this season ends on June 30; however, advocates insist that roundups should be halted until mid-August.
The BLM intends to remove 1,200 horses from the area. The horses will then be available for adoption or sent to holding facilities.
