Federal Wild Horse Lawsuit Hearing Set for Friday | Horse Back Magazine

Federal Wild Horse Lawsuit Hearing Set for Friday | Horse Back Magazine

Federal Wild Horse Lawsuit Hearing Set for Friday

February 23, 2012
Groundbreaking Case will be Heard in Sacramento on the Merits

SACREMENTO, (In Defense of Animals) – Last April, in a precedent-setting decision, Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. refused to dismiss the case on legal technicalities, meaning it will be decided on the merits. Judge England also ruled that the plaintiffs – animal protection organization In Defense of Animals (IDA), ecologist Chad Hanson, Ph.D., wild horse sanctuary founder Barbara Clarke, DreamCatcher Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary, and wild horse enthusiast Linda Hay – have standing to challenge the action and that the case is not moot.

“The American Mustang is a native wildlife species; few people realize that the western United States is actually the evolutionary birthplace of the horse,” said Ms. Fazio. “This suit seeks to ensure that, in accordance with the laws of Congress, this majestic species is protected as wild and free-roaming, safe from illegal interference by the BLM and immune to the pressures of the livestock industry and other commercial interests that wish to exploit our public lands.” “Because of Judge England’s decision last April, tomorrow’s hearing will be about the merits of our case and not legal technicalities,” said Eric Kleiman, Research Director for In Defense of Animals. “Tomorrow, America’s wild horses will finally have their day in court.” Kleiman also noted that one of lawsuit’s major claims involves BLM’s failure to euthanize old, sick or lame horses “in the most humane manner possible.” He said that the legislative history cited by plaintiffs clearly shows that Congress expected that such euthanizing should occur on the range – and before any roundup would take place.

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