Nevada to Rethink Management Plan for Virginia Range Horses

Nevada is set to reassess its management strategy for the Virginia Range horses after an attempt to find a new private owner was unsuccessful. This development has sparked discussions on the need for a comprehensive cooperative agreement to ensure the humane management of these historic horses.

The state of Nevada holds jurisdiction over the Virginia Range horses, which are classified as estrays, meaning they descend from domestic horses released into the wild. These horses inhabit state, local, and private lands, and are not protected under the federal Wild Free-Roaming Wild Horses and Burros Act. The herd has become a point of contention, with some residents advocating for their removal to prevent them from wandering onto public roadways and private properties.

In 2016, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) entered into an agreement with the nonprofit American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) to manage the herd. However, the NDA later announced its decision to terminate that agreement and sought to transfer the horses to a private owner.

On April 16, NDA Director Jim Barbee stated that the agency had not received any formal proposals from potential new owners.

Suzanne Roy, executive director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), emphasized that the failure to secure new ownership compels the state to consider alternative solutions.

“Now the Governor and Nevada Department of Agriculture must bring together all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive cooperative agreement to humanely manage these historic horses,” Roy said.

Until a new plan is established, the NDA will continue to manage the herd.

“We are still under the existing directive from the Board of Agriculture to manage the horses for public safety only,” Barbee said. “The next step is to go back to the board for further direction.”

Originally posted by The Horse