Bill Would Put Salt River Herd Under State Jurisdiction

Arizona's Salt River feral horse herd is set to receive protection under local law enforcement and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) authorities, thanks tolegislationpassed by the state's Senate earlier this month.

Since 1971, Congress has federally protected wild mustangs, placing them under the Bureau of Land Management’s jurisdiction. However, feral horses, such as the Salt River herd—descended from domestic horses that were turned out or escaped—are not covered by federal law.

The Salt River herd gained national attention in August 2015 when theUSFSannounced plans to impound unauthorized horses roaming the Tonto National Forest’s Salt River area, citing public safety hazards when the animals crossed highways and recreation areas. TheUSFSlater agreed to indefinitely postpone the impoundment until an alternative solution could be found.

In January, State Representative Kelly Townsend introduced HB 2340, which criminalizes injury to the horses and places them under the jurisdiction of local authorities.

Specifically, thelegislationmakes it unlawful to harass, shoot, injure, or slaughter a Salt River horse, placing the animals under the jurisdiction of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department and theUSFS. Thelegislationalso states that no one can capture or euthanize a member of the herd without written authorization from either agency, and such permission can only be granted for humane purposes.

In February, the Arizona House of Representatives approved HB 2340, advancing it to the stateSenate, which passed thelegislationby a 27-2 margin in April.

In a written statement on the organization's website, Salt River Wild Horse Management Group President Simone Netherlands said the law ensures the long-term protection of the Salt River herd.

Thelegislationnow returns to the House for final approval ofSenateamendments. If passed, it will proceed to Governor Doug Ducey for signature into law.

Originally Posted By The Horse