Statement from American Wild Horse Conservation on the Passing of Representative Raúl M. Grijalva

Statement from American Wild Horse Conservation on the Passing of Representative Raúl M. Grijalva

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Representative Raúl M. Grijalva, a true champion for America’s wild horses and burros. In his tenure in Congress, he was unwavering in his commitment to protecting our nation’s public lands and all the wild animals who call them home. 

Throughout his career and as chair of the House Natural Committee, Rep. Grijalva led efforts to protect wild horses and burros, including banning slaughter, investigating agency mistreatment and mismanagement, and requiring humane management practices. He played a pivotal role in saving the Salt River wild horses, joining the late Senator John McCain in leading bipartisan opposition to a U.S. Forest Service plan to roundup and eliminate them from their habitat in the Tonto National Forest. 

Understanding that resource competition fuels many conflicts with wildlife, he co-sponsored legislation for voluntary grazing retirement, creating opportunities for conservation groups to compensate willing ranchers. A true conservation warrior, he was also a tireless advocate for preserving lands of cultural significance to Indigenous communities.

His passing is a great loss to AWHC, our colleagues in the wild horse advocacy community and all who fight to preserve our extraordinary western ecosystems. 

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those who admired his dedication to justice and conservation. His impact will endure, and we will honor his memory by continuing the work he championed. 

Rest in peace, Representative Grijalva. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

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Photo of Rep. Grijalva with Simone Netherlands, president of the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group.