Legal Action Threatened Over Virginia Range Mustang Giveaway
Legal Action Threatened Over NV Department of Agriculture’s Plan to “Give Away” Virginia Range Mustangs
The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) has taken a firm stand against the Nevada Department of Agriculture's (NDA) recent actions concerning the Virginia Range mustangs. On February 12, 2018, AWHC issued a formal demand to the NDA and the governor to rescind their Request for Proposal (RFP) for transferring ownership of these horses. This move, according to AWHC, violates NRS Chapter 569 and breaches existing cooperative agreements.
Jon Ludwig of Wilson Elser, representing AWHC, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "AWHC has refrained from immediate legal action, hoping for a reassessment by the Department. However, with the RFP issued, time is of the essence." AWHC seeks a response by February 23, 2018, to either rescind or suspend the RFP and collaborate under existing agreements.
Despite the Governor's office acknowledging the NDA's responsibility for wild horse management, Governor Sandoval has not intervened to halt the RFP. This inaction persists even as local leaders urge him to protect the mustangs from potential sale for slaughter.
Deniz Bolbol, AWHC's Director of Field Operations, expressed disappointment in the Governor's lack of response, stating, "We remain hopeful for a resolution without litigation, but we are prepared to take legal action if necessary." AWHC continues to offer collaboration to ensure the humane management of the Virginia Range horses.
A copy of the letter is available here.
Background
In 2013, Nevada's legislation facilitated a public/private partnership for managing the Virginia Range horses. The NDA, under state law, oversees these horses, having entered into cooperative agreements with AWHC in 2013 and 2015. These agreements allowed AWHC to manage horse removal and population control through humane methods.
Over the years, AWHC has rescued approximately 250 horses and prevented numerous births, effectively managing the population amid shrinking habitats due to urban development. However, the NDA's recent termination of these agreements threatens to reverse these efforts, potentially increasing public safety issues as horse populations grow.
On October 25, 2017, AWHC received a termination notice from the NDA, delivered without prior discussion, contrary to the agreements' good faith requirements. AWHC argues that the NDA must rescind the RFP and engage in negotiations to resolve management issues collaboratively.
The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) is dedicated to preserving American wild horses and burros in viable, free-roaming herds as part of our national heritage. Its mission is supported by over 60 advocacy and public interest organizations.