Wild horses emergency rescue in Oregon postponed over lawsuit

The Bureau of Land Management postponed plans for a second wild horse rescue operation in southeast Oregon, following a temporary restraining order related to ongoing litigation, the agency said in a news release.

Evacuations and firefighting response

The rescue operation planned for Sept.

Wildfire and a record dry winter consumed 70% of the herd's food, the BLM said in a statement.

The agency did not respond to questions from the about the lawsuit.

“It’s our responsibility to manage and protect these herds,” Don Rotell, BLM Burns district manager, said in a statement.“When fire and severe drought shrinks water sources and reduces forage, it’s the horses and other plants and animals that pay a price.”

“We want healthy horses on healthy rangelands,” Rotell added.

“Unfortunately, the practical implication of this delay is that it may not be possible to round up these horses before late fall storms make roads in the area impassable.”

Wildfire location and conditions

9 intended to help a wild horse herd located in Riddle Mountain southeast of Burns facing severe food and water shortages.