Salt River Wild Horse Preservation Begins in 2018

SALT RIVER, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -TheSalt River wild horseshave achieved official protection, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts. This victory ensures that these historic animals will be preserved for future generations, safeguarding them from harm and slaughter.

With champagne in hand, the volunteers with the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup chanted and cheered on Monday.

"We are not just celebrating New Year’s today, we are celebrating that we preserved a true piece of Arizona history," said Simone Netherlands from the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup.

TheSalt River wild horsesare officially protected.

"They are protected from harassment, from shooting. They are protected from someone causing them any injury and protected from slaughter," said Netherlands.

If anyone is caught doing any harm to the horses, they will face a misdemeanor charge.

"I think everyone is thrilled at this that they get to stay," said state Rep. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa.

The group, along with Rep. Townsend, have spent two and a half years working with the Governor’s Office, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Arizona Agriculture Department.

"It was a long drawn out effort and so such pleasure to finally be done with it and start to move forward with management," said Townsend.

The next step is to work with a nonprofit on humanely managing the horses.

The Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup hopes they will be chosen to do so.

"So glad future generations will see these amazing historic animals that have been here for hundreds of years," said Netherlands.

"If there's the seven wonders of Arizona our horses would at least be in the top three," said Townsend.

Originally posted by AZ Family