Historic Bill to Protect Salt River Wild Horses Passes Arizona Legislature

Phoenix, AZ (May 5, 2016)...HB 2340 to protect the famedSalt River wild horsesin the Tonto National Forest cleared its last hurdle in the Arizona legislature today with a 53-3 vote in theHouse of Representativesto approve the bill and send it on to Governor Doug Ducey’s desk for signature.

Last summer, the U.S. Forest Service almost removed and disposed of theSalt River wild horsesas straylivestock. HB 2340 clarifies that the horses are not straylivestockand sets the stage for preserving them for future generations.

“This is a historic day for horse advocates, theSalt River wild horsesand for the public, which would not stand for the removal and disposal of this herd that is so historically and economically significant to the State of Arizona,” said Simone Netherlands, president of the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup (SRWHMG). “We are so proud of our legislators for listening to the voice of the people and standing firm for protection of these irreplaceable Arizona treasures.”

“We are especially grateful to Rep. Kelly Townsend, the bill’s sponsor, for her dedication to saving our wild horses, and to Governor Ducey for his support for protecting this historic herd,” Netherlands added.

“Citizens across Arizona and the United States are cheering this victory for the cherishedSalt River wild horses,” said Suzanne Roy, Director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), a national coalition. “We are pleased to have worked alongside our coalition partner, the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup, to ensure passage of this important bill to save theSalt River wild horses. This is a great day for wild horses in Arizona!”

Right now, SRWHMG horse riders and supporters are waving the Arizona and American flags atop a hill at Coon Bluff in the Tonto National Forest in support of this victory for theSalt River wild horses.

In addition to establishing that the horses are not straylivestock, HB 2340 criminalizes killing or harassing a Salt River wild horse, and will codify their humane management through a cooperative approach between the community and federal, state and local authorities and the SRWHMG.

The latest rescue of a Salt River wild horse foal on Sunday night by the Salt RiverWild Horse ManagementGroup field team is a great example of humane, community-basedwild horse managementin action. The foal, Pacman, had injured legs (possibly caused by barbed wire) and subsequently developed a severe infection. He is currently receiving intensive treatment at an area veterinary hospital.

The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group is raising funds to cover the veterinary costs associated with saving the little foal’s life. Donations can be made below.

TheSalt River Wild Horse Management Groupis an Arizona non-profit 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.

TheAmerican Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation)(AWHC) is dedicated to defending America’s wild horses and burros to protect their freedom, preserve their habitat, and promote humane standards of treatment. AWHC’s mission is endorsed by a coalition of more than 60 horse advocacy, public interest, and conservation organizations.