Salt River Wild Horses Gain Legislative Support

Advocates for theSalt River wild horsesare celebrating a significant legislative victory. A new bill has been adopted by state House leaders to enhance the protection of this historic herd, which resides in Arizona's Tonto National Forest.

The Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup and the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign) have been working tirelessly since last summer to ensure the preservation of approximately 100 wild horses living along the Salt River.

"We are thrilled that the House of Representatives has recognized the importance of this historic herd and has upheld the public's interest in protecting them. We urge the Senate to promptly join the House in passing this legislation so that theSalt River wild horsescan be preserved for future generations of Arizonans to come," said Simone Netherlands of Prescott, president of the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup.

The initial version of the House bill raised concerns among horse advocates due to issues of state jurisdiction and the treatment of the horses as livestock. However, Rep. Kelly Townsend of Mesa proposed an amendment that acknowledges the herd as wild horses, not stray animals. This revised proposal also eliminates the need for the state to spend $1 million annually on managing these animals.

The adopted bill, HB 2340, establishes a cooperative approach for the humane management of the wild horses, involving the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. It criminalizes the harassment, shooting, or killing of a Salt River wild horse and affirms their significance to the state.

The Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup expressed gratitude to Townsend for her "tremendous effort" and willingness to collaborate with all parties on a solution that benefits both the public and the horses.

The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign) and the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup have been advocating for lasting protections since the U.S. Forest Service announced plans to impound and remove the herd. They assert that the Forest Service has the duty, responsibility, and legal authority to manage all resources within the Tonto National Forest, including theSalt River wild horses, which are an important economic, historic, and recreational resource.

"We thank and commend Rep. Townsend for addressing our concerns and for working to craftlegislationthat will promote protection of this historic herd that is so loved and treasured by the people of Arizona," Netherlands said.

Originally posted by Daily Courier