State of Nevada and Wild Horse Advocates Reach Landmark Agreement

Wild horse advocates have reached a significant agreement with Nevada's Department of Agriculture to protect horses from the Virginia Range. This collaboration, involving Return to Freedom, Inc. (RTF), a California-based advocacy group, aims to ensure the humane treatment and safety of these animals.

Under the agreement, wild horse advocates will have the first option to purchase horses collected from Nevada's Virginia Range by the state's Department of Agriculture. This initiative is spearheaded by Return to Freedom, Inc., a sponsor of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign).

Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) spokesman Ed Foster stated that approximately 2,500 horses reside on the Virginia Range, a private rangeland surrounded by four major highways. These animals, known as “estrays,” are descended from wild and domestic horses released onto the range. The NDA manages these animals and has removed some to prevent accidents on nearby highways. The gathered horses are then sold at auction.

“We’re following statute here which goes back to Nevada brand laws,” Foster explained.

However, the auction sales have faced criticism from advocates concerned that the horses could be resold for slaughter in Mexico and Canada. To address these concerns, the NDA and RTF entered into a cooperative agreement on March 12. This agreement allows RTF to purchase the collected horses for $100 each on an as-is basis. RTF will collaborate with third parties to adopt or purchase the horses, ensuring they are not released back onto the Virginia Range. Additionally, RTF must provide the NDA with an annual report of all horses resold or placed in the previous year. Horses not accepted by RTF within two days of notification will be subject to NDA disposition.

Foster described the agreement as a positive step in managing the estray horses.

RTF President Neda DeMayo hailed the agreement as a first step toward a humane resolution for the Virginia Range horses. She emphasized the group's commitment to working with Nevada agricultural authorities to develop strategies such as birth control, fencing, and diversionary feeding to eliminate the need for horse removal.

“We look forward to working with Gov. Brian Sandoval and the Department of Agriculture to secure a long-term solution that keeps these horses wild, safe, and free-ranging while preventing any potential safety issues,” DeMayo stated.

Foster added that the cooperative agreement also applies to Washoe, Storey, and Lyon counties, as well as the Consolidated Municipality of Carson City.

Originally Posted By The Horse