Judge allows Nevada wild horse roundup to resume; BLM says mustangs in critical condition

Judge allows Nevada wild horse roundup to resume

RENO, Nev. — A judge ruled Friday that a government roundup of wild horses can resume in Nevada, dealing a setback to animal-rights activists who had hoped to stop it after 12 mustangs died of dehydration.

U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks’ order came as federal land managers warned that more than 500 horses in northern Elko County could die of dehydration in the next week if the roundup doesn’t continue.

A U.S. Bureau of Land Management spokesman says the condition of the horses is “deteriorating rapidly,” and the roundup will resume Saturday morning.

BLM officials blame the deaths on the drought and not the roundup.

But activists have expressed outrage, saying the deaths were predictable, given the roundup is taking place in sweltering summer temperatures.