Horse Advocates Protest for Humane Management After Crash

In the wake of a recent crash involving wild horses, advocates have returned to the Nevada state Capitol to urge Governor Brian Sandoval to reinstate a program using humane birth control. This program aims to manage the horse population in the Virginia Range, spanning from the Dayton corridor through Virginia City to south Reno.

"Last night's horse-vehicle accident on Highway 50 highlights the need for humane management to resume," said Louise Martin, spokesperson for several horse advocacy groups.

The Nevada Department of Agriculture has canceled the birth control darting program and plans to transfer management of the Virginia Range horses to a private non-profit group. Advocates fear this could lead to the eventual sale of the horses, potentially for slaughter.

Authorities are investigating a collision between a Lyon County sheriff's cruiser and horses on U.S. 50, reported by the Nevada Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred shortly before 6 p.m., near the intersection of Highway 50 and Enterprise Road east of Dayton. Westbound Highway 50 was blocked, but all lanes reopened shortly after 7 p.m.

One deputy was transported to a hospital, with injuries not believed to be life-threatening, according to the NHP.

Originally posted by Nevada Appeal.