BILL PROTECTS STATE'S WILD HORSES

Missouri's wild horses finally may be left alone, says U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson.

The 8th District congressman from Cape Girardeau is banking on legislation he authored that would bar the roundup and removal of about 25 wild horses that roam a stretch of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Shannon County.

A House subcommittee will hold a hearing in Washington May 18 on the Wild Horses Protection Act.

"The legislation is now on the right track to become law and ensure the wild horses of Missouri remain free for future generations to enjoy," Emerson said.

The superintendent of the national park has talked of rounding up the horses and removing them because they were damaging the park's foliage.

Emerson said he has pushed for action on the part of congressional colleagues. He said the horses have roamed freely in southern Missouri for more than 60 years.