BLM Implements Impound To End Trespass Of Privately-Owned Horses

Reno, Nev.--Federal Magistrate Robert A. McQuaid ordered Leonard and Larry Crutcher to remove their trespass livestock from public lands near McDermitt, Nev., last fall or the horses would be impounded by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The approximately 200 horses were not removed and the capture and impoundment of the horses began today.

The Court issued its ruling on the Crutchers on August 16, 2007, and gave them fourteen days to remove their horses from public lands. The BLM gave the Crutchers five additional months to comply with the Court Orders.

“We have given the Crutchers ample opportunities to remove their horses from BLM public land,” said Gail Givens, BLM Winnemucca Field Manager. “These are not wild horses that are the responsibility of the BLM, but privately-owned animals that have been allowed to trespass onto public land and consume publicly-owned forage.

All impounded animals will be transported to a BLM holding facility near Winnemucca where lawful owners will have five working days to claim them upon payment of fines and impoundment fees. If branded, privately-owned animals are not claimed, they will be auctioned to recover the trespass and impoundment fees. Unbranded horses could be considered owner unknown or estrays, which fall under the authority of the Nevada Department of Agriculture.

Source: www.usef.org