Judge Allows Nevada Mustang Roundup to Continue Despite Deaths of 31 Wild Horses

A judge has ruled that the U.S. government can continue capturing wild mustangs in Nevada, despite the deaths of 31 horses during the roundup. The nonprofit advocacy group, Wild Horse Education, had sought an emergency order to halt the roundup, arguing that it was inhumane and illegal. The judge denied the request, stating that there was no evidence to support a preliminary injunction. While acknowledging a constitutional violation regarding access denial, the judge deemed it moot. Government lawyers defended the roundup, stating that the deaths were unfortunate but expected, and that the horses pose a threat to the ecological health of public rangeland. Horse advocates argue that the deaths were unnecessary and resulted from inhumane tactics. The roundup is scheduled to continue until August 22.