LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Federal authorities have rounded up a herd of horses on Mt. Charleston to permanently relocate them off the mountain.
The herd of eight horses is being temporarily held at the Visitors Center on the Mountain. FOX5 crews saw two guards monitoring the area.
The U.S. Forest Service confirms that guards will keep watch overnight.
According to neighbors, federal officials set out food to lure the horses into a gated area.
The U.S. Forest Service has planned the move for months after a series of dangerous encounters between horses and visitors, including injuries to children. Recently, horses have developed a habit of foraging for food in mountain residents’ trash cans.
FOX5 has asked the U.S.F.S. about the next steps in relocation: where are the horses headed next, and when? How will they be cared for now and after the move? What are the next steps for adoption? A spokesperson tells FOX5 that the agency is working to give those answers.
Horse rescue “Wild Fire’s Wild and Free Mustangs” tells FOX5 that the horses will need to be quarantined and undergo medical exams before they can be adopted. The group has applied to take in the entire herd.
Concerned neighbors came to the area to check on the horses.
“This is their home. This is the only home they’ve known. And to take wild animals and put them in a corral, or even a sanctuary, is cruel,” said mountain resident Cheryl Abbate, who created a petition that garnered 25,000 signatures. The petition calls on U.S.F.S. officials to let the horses stay, and instead penalize people who pet or feed horses and burros.
“If these horses need to be moved, then let’s have a discussion. Let’s have it out in the open. Let’s have some accountability of where they’re going,” said concerned resident Lynn Murrow.
Tuesday evening, residents stayed by the horses to monitor their conditions. Horse roundups have been controversial nationwide: animal welfare advocates have raised concerns over serious or fatal injuries that can happen during relocation.
This is a developing story. Stay with FOX5 for updates.
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