Salt River Wild Horse Issue to Be Heard at State House Hearing

Two wild horse protection organizations are urging the public to oppose two state bills related to the famedSalt River wild horsesin the Tonto National Forest. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) and the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup are asking members to attend a Feb. 17 meeting of the Committee on Federalism and States’ Rights. This meeting will address HR 2340 and HB 2572, two bills that may jeopardize the future of theSalt River wild horses.

Last summer, the U.S. Forest Service caused a public uproar by announcing its plan to round up and remove the popular herd from thefederal landsthey’ve called home for centuries.

According to the groups, the two bills, sponsored by Arizona Rep. Kelly Townsend, appear to protect theSalt River wild horsesbut could actually expose them to greater risk and halt any progress made with the Forest Service.

HB2340 asserts state ownership of the horses but not thefederal landson which they reside. The bill offers no protections from sterilization, slaughter, or removals and authorizes no funds for state management of the horses. It would also criminalize humane euthanasia for horses suffering from fatal injuries.

HB2572 would create a study committee appointed by Rep. Townsend to examine the impacts of the horses. The groups oppose a study committee that seeks to remove the federal obligation to manage the horses, thereby removing the possibility of lasting protection for them.

The hearing will take place at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, in room HHR5, Arizona House of Representatives, 1700 W. Washington St. in Phoenix.

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

Originally posted by Mesa Independent.