Salt River Horse Bill Awaits Final House Vote

PHOENIX - The ArizonaHouse of Representativesis preparing for a pivotal vote on a bill designed to protect theSalt River wild horses. This legislation aims to ensure the humane management and safety of these iconic animals.

During Thursday's ArizonaHouse of Representativesfloor session, the House is scheduled to vote on a bill that would protect theSalt River wild horsesand finalize a plan to manage the horses.

Last summer, there was concern about the welfare of the horses after the Tonto National Forest Service initially planned to remove the horses from land under its control.

That plan was reconsidered after significant outcry from activists.

The bill has already passed both the House and the Senate, but it must pass once again after amendments were added.

According to a press release from the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group, an advocacy group for the horses, the bill will "criminalize the harassing or killing of a Salt River wild horse and also affirms that they are NOT livestock."

The group announced that it will be waving the American and Arizona flags from the highest hill in Tonto National Forest in celebration if the bill passes.

Originally posted by KPNX