AWHC Issues Statement on Nevada Board of Agriculture's Decision to Transfer 3,000 Mustangs

Reno, Nevada (December 12, 2017) - The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) issued a statement in response to the Nevada Board of Agriculture's decision to transfer ownership of the historicVirginia Range horsesfrom theNevada Department of Agricultureto a yet unnamed non-profit organization.

The unelected members of the Board of Agriculture just voted to give away Nevada's historicVirginia Range horsesto a private owner who will be free to do what it wants with them, including sending them to slaughter. This goes against the wishes of the public and the northern Nevada business community, which want these horses protected. It also violates Nevada law and the stated intent of the legislature and the governor to protect and manage these horses in conjunction with non-profit organizations. Nothing in the law authorizes the department to give away these horses. The Board made this radical change under the law without any staff or legal analysis and failed to inform the board members of the issue of legality surrounding this proposal.

Over 100 citizens turned out to the meeting to oppose this action, as did the Northern Nevada business community represented by the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center and Bently Enterprises. The Board turned its back on the wishes of the public and the business community, and if the giveaway goes forward, the public will have no voice in the management of these treasured natural resources. The American Wild Horse Conservation is committed to fighting this undemocratic action through every available avenue. This decision is bad for Nevada taxpayers and bad for Nevada business, and we call on Governor Sandoval to reverse it.

Read AWHC's public comments from the meeting here.

Read AWHC's legal letter.

TheAmerican Wild Horse Conservation(formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) is dedicated to preserving American wild horses and burros in viable, free-roaming herds for generations to come, as part of our national heritage. Its grassroots mission is endorsed by a coalition of more than 60 horseadvocacy, humane, and public interest organizations.