Arizona Senate Committee Considers Bill to Protect Salt River Wild Horses

Phoenix, AZ (March 8, 2016)– Today, the Arizona State Senate Committee on Federalism, Mandates and Fiscal Responsibility will hear HB 2340, a bill designed to protect the famedSalt River Wild Horsesin the Tonto National Forest near Mesa.

Introduced by Rep. Kelly Townsend, the bill passed the House on February 25. The Scottsdale-based Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup and the national American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) are urging Arizona State Senators to pass this important legislation.

The hearing follows a vigil held by members of the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup, who spent a day on horseback atop Coon Bluff, overlooking theSalt River wild horses’ habitat. Their display of American and Arizona flags, along with a banner reading “Don’t Let Them Become History,” garnered significant public support and attention.

The Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup and the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) initially opposed HB 2340 due to concerns over state ownership and management by the Arizona Agriculture Department. However, amendments by Rep. Townsend, prompted by a fiscal note indicating $1 million in costs, have garnered support from wild horse advocates.

As currently written, the bill:

• Defines the horses as an economic, historic, and recreational resource of the state, not stray animals.
• Criminalizes the harassment or killing of a Salt River wild horse.
• Defines their historic habitat on the lower Salt River.
• Provides a process to humanely manage the horses in partnership with community groups, addressing safety concerns for both the horses and the public.
• Eliminates fiscal burdens on the state by not asserting state ownership of the horses, who reside on federal land.

TheSalt River Wild Horse Management Groupis an Arizona non-profit organization established to protect, monitor, and scientifically study theSalt River Wild Horses. The SRWHMG has been spearheading efforts to secure lasting protections for this iconic and beloved wild horse herd in the Tonto National Forest.

TheAmerican Wild Horse Conservation(formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) is dedicated to defending America’s wild horses and burros to protect their freedom, preserve their habitat, and promote humane standards of treatment. AWHC’s mission is endorsed by a coalition of more than 60 horse advocacy, public interest, and conservation organizations.