Salt River Wild Horse Issue to Be Heard at State House Hearing

Two wild horse protection organizations are urging the public to oppose two state bills related to the famed Salt River wild horses in the Tonto National Forest. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) and the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group are asking members to attend a Feb. 17 meeting of the Committee on Federalism and States’ Rights. This meeting will address HR 2340 and HB 2572, two bills that may jeopardize the future of the Salt River wild horses.

Last summer, the U.S. Forest Service caused a public uproar by announcing its plan to round up and remove the popular herd from the federal lands they’ve called home for centuries.

According to the groups, the two bills, sponsored by Arizona Rep. Kelly Townsend, appear to protect the Salt River wild horses but could actually expose them to greater risk and halt any progress made with the Forest Service.

HB2340 asserts state ownership of the horses but not the federal lands on which they reside. The bill offers no protections from sterilization, slaughter, or removals and authorizes no funds for state management of the horses. It would also criminalize humane euthanasia for horses suffering from fatal injuries.

HB2572 would create a study committee appointed by Rep. Townsend to examine the impacts of the horses. The groups oppose a study committee that seeks to remove the federal obligation to manage the horses, thereby removing the possibility of lasting protection for them.

“We are urging everyone who cares about the Salt River wild horses to attend this hearing about these bills, which, if passed, will set back the efforts to secure lasting protections for this cherished herd in their historic home in the Tonto National Forest,” Simone Netherlands, president of the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group, said.

The hearing will take place at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, in room HHR5, Arizona House of Representatives, 1700 W. Washington St. in Phoenix.

The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group is an Arizona nonprofit organization established to protect, monitor, and scientifically study the Salt 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.

Originally posted by Mesa Independent.