Advocates Urge Governor to Reverse Wild Horse Sale Decision

The Nevada Department of Agriculture recently decided to sell 3,000 wild horses in Northern Nevada to private owners. Wild horse advocates are now calling upon Governor Brian Sandoval to reverse this decision, fearing the potential risks to the horses.

In October, the state ended a contract with the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), which had been providing birth control to manage the horse population on the Virginia Range.

Louise Martin from the AWHC stated that she has protested in front of the state capitol building six times since the sale was proposed. She expressed concern that new ownership could put the horses at risk for slaughter.

"I mean, it's a real possibility," Martin said. "We love the horses. And I can't even imagine just ripping them from the range."

Paul Anderson, who chairs the Board of Agriculture, mentioned in a statement this week that the sale will allow new owners to directly manage the horses, "working with the local government and private citizens, according to the needs of the horses." However, a sale to a specific organization has not yet been disclosed.

Governor Sandoval's office did not respond to requests for comment.

The AWHC plans to hold a candlelight vigil near the state capitol building over the weekend to raise awareness and support for their cause.

Originally posted by KUNR