Arizona's Success in Managing Wild Horses Without Roundups
Arizona's wild horses and burros are a unique part of the state's heritage, symbolizing the spirit of the American West. Five years ago, the community, led by Gov. Doug Ducey, successfully opposed the federal government's plan to round up the Salt River wild horses from the Tonto National Forest. This victory ensured that these horses are now safely and humanely managed by the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group, in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service.
Unfortunately, many wild horses and burros across the West are not as fortunate, as they fall under the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) jurisdiction, where they face inhumane treatment despite federal protection.
Sinema, Kelly Can Lead on Fertility Control
U.S. Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly have the opportunity to influence the protection of wild horses in Arizona and other Western states by advocating for reforms in the BLM's management program. This summer, the House of Representatives, with support from Arizona Representatives Raúl Grijalva and David Schweikert, passed an amendment requiring the BLM to allocate $11 million of its budget to humane fertility control, as an alternative to cruel helicopter roundups.
Senator Sinema is actively supporting this initiative by urging Senate leadership to include funding for wild horse fertility control in the final spending deal. It is hoped that Senator Kelly will join her in this effort once he takes office.
Arizona's own experience with the Salt River horses demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. A volunteer-led fertility control program using the PZP vaccine has significantly reduced the number of foals born, helping to maintain a balanced and healthy wild horse population.
Roundups Are Counterproductive
Nationally, a shift away from roundups is necessary, not only due to their inhumanity but also because they are ineffective. Research indicates that roundups can actually increase population growth. With many wild horses and burros at risk of removal and potential slaughter, the timing of this amendment is crucial.
We commend Senator Sinema and Representatives Grijalva and Schweikert for their support and urge Senator Kelly to join them. Arizona has proven that humane wild horse management is both effective and cost-efficient, and it should be adopted across the Western United States.
Simone Netherlands, president of the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group and a national spokesperson for American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), advocates for the preservation of the Salt River wild horses. She can be reached at [email protected].