In September 2012, the Nevada State Department of Agriculture rounded up 23 wild horses from the Virginia Range near Reno. These mustangs, known as the "South Reno 23," were sent to a livestock auction in Fallon, Nevada, frequented by kill buyers. Despite public opposition, the horses faced a grim fate until advocates intervened.
Wild horses on the Virginia Range are unprotected by the federal Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act because they reside on state lands. On September 19, 2012, the 23 horses were put up for sale to the highest bidder at the Fallon auction.
Visit the Hidden Valley Horse Protection Fund website for the history of this situation leading up to the auction. A description of the 23 wild horses is available here.
September 19, 2012 -- Fallon, Nevada
It was a long and controversial evening reminiscent of the Old West. Armed men from the Nevada Department of Agriculture were present at the auction, making their presence known.
Advocates from the Reno-based Hidden Valley Wild Horse Protection Fund were there to acquire the 23 horses. They brought horse trailers to prevent the horses, including foals, from going to kill buyers.
Unexpectedly, Hidden Valley found themselves bidding against the "house." The auctioneer mumbled something, looked at the person bidding up the price, and the auction continued. Advocates believe the auction owner, Jack Payne, was artificially driving up the price.
Hidden Valley ended up paying around $11,000 for horses that would have normally sold for around $3,000. Let Em Run helped cover the "overcharges." Meanwhile, an advocate purchased a non-Virginia Range horse for $161, a more typical price.
The Department of Agriculture personnel seemed jovial, with one overheard saying, "They took it pretty well." Advocates were stunned by the conduct of the Nevada Department of Agriculture and its allies.
At the end of the auction, the livestock exchange was reluctant to load the horses, citing safety concerns. However, Hidden Valley ensured all 23 horses were safely loaded and are now in homes or foster care, including "JJ," a foal with a damaged lip.
This event highlights the operations of some Nevada state agencies and their allies. Advocates worked together to protect Nevada's Virginia Range horses and the state's image. There is concern that if Virginia Range horses are traced to foreign slaughterhouses, it could impact Nevada's tourism revenues.
What You Can Do
1. Call Nevada Governor Sandoval (775-684-5670 or 702-486-2500). Politely ask the governor to instruct the Nevada Department of Agriculture to collaborate with wild horse advocacy groups to protect wild horses on state lands. Emphasize the importance of protecting these horses as part of Nevada's history, culture, and tourism industry.
2. Donate to help local advocacy groups in Nevada with this rescue. To support the ongoing care of these horses, please click here.