A major roundup of an estimated 2,500 wild mustangs in Northern Nevada set for Monday has protestors calling for Congress to step in.

Wild horse advocates gathered outside the entrance of Red Rock Canyon, managed by Bureau of Land Management, on the eve of the roundup to make their voices heard.





Their efforts follow a plea from singer Sheryl Crow, who has reached out to President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Crow is among many horse defenders trying to block Monday's roundup.

Opponents argue that many of the horses could be injured or even die during the commute by helicopter during icy winter conditions.

"They're going to hurt and kill the horses, and then pen them up for no good reason," said Arlene Gawne, who helped organized Sunday's protest.

Gawne says the roundup process is not only inhumane but is costing the taxpayers of Nevada millions of dollars.

She believes our state could profit by what many see as an icon of the wild west.

"Why isn't Obama having the BLM see what they can do to create jobs and have wild horse sanctuaries and build a wild horse safari industry," added Gawne.

The estimated 2,500 horses expected to be rounded up from the Calico Mountains Complex in Northern Nevada will be headed to long-term holding facilities in the Midwest.

BLM officials say the mustang population at the Calico Complex is currently three times what the range can handle.

Nevada's wildlife agency stands behind their roundup, also saying that much of the horses' food supply is running out and affecting surrounding wildlife.

Monday's planned roundup is part of an overall strategy to remove as many as 25,000 mustangs from public lands across the West.