Reno Gazette Journal 7-19-10

Federal land managers say they have removed more than 338 wild horses from a northern Nevada range since a judge lifted a temporary restraining order on the emergency rescue roundups.

U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks rescinded the order on Friday after Bureau of Land Management officials said 500 horses could die of dehydration if the roundup begun weeks ago didn't continue.

In a news release, the BLM said say 142 horses were rounded up by contractors on Sunday, including 52 mares, 23 foals and 67 studs. Some 192 horses were rounded up Friday and Saturday.

A total of 616 horses have been gathered so far. Many were in poor condition and suffering from water starvation and dehydration. The animals were receiving veterinary care, food and water.

BLM officials say 18 of the animals have died — 16 from pre-existing dehydration-related complications or severe congenital deformities or physical injuries.

Horse advocates sought to halt the roundup, claiming it was inhumane to herd the animals by helicopter to trap sites in the hot summer temperatures. Advocates also contend the agency is removing the horses to make room for livestock grazing and energy interests.

An estimated 38,000 mustangs and burros roam 10 Western states, and half are in Nevada.

The horses gathered so far are among up to 1,200 mustangs the BLM intends to remove from the range to either make available for adoption or send to long-term holding facilities in the Midwest.

BLM officials say the roundups are necessary because the mustang population is growing so rapidly that the animals are running out of food and harming the range and native wildlife.