Salt River Wild Horse Group Commends State and Federal Efforts to Protect Horses

The Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup, alongside its national coalition partner, the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), has praised Gov. Doug Ducey and the U.S. Forest Service for their agreement to manage theSalt River Wild Horses. This agreement marks a significant step in the humane management of these iconic animals.

The agreement fulfills the conditional enactment clause of the Salt River Wild Horse Act, passed by the Arizona Legislature and signed into law by Ducey in May 2016. It establishes a management structure and process to ensure the humane treatment of theSalt River wild horsesresiding in the Tonto National Forest. The state is authorized to partner with a non-profit organization to assist in the management and care of these horses, with the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup ready to continue its long-standing role in their care.

Simone Netherlands, the group's president, held a press conference with three recuperating rescued baby Salt River horses in Mesa. She expressed gratitude for the protection of the horses from harassment and slaughter, acknowledging the efforts of Gov. Doug Ducey, state Rep. Kelly Townsend, and the Forest Service.

Netherlands added that the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup, with its 100 volunteers and daily presence on the Salt River, is prepared to enter into an agreement with the state to continue managing the wild horse herd that attracts visitors from around the world. She highlighted the group's public support and efforts, including rescuing injured horses, maintaining fencing, and conducting educational outreach.

Two years prior, the Forest Service had announced plans to remove and “dispose of” theSalt River wild horses. The Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup, with assistance from the American Wild Horse Conservation, organized rallies and sparked a public outcry that altered the fate of these beloved animals. The groups successfully negotiated and advocated for legislation to protect the horses, which will take effect on January 1.

Originally posted by The Daily Courier