Talking Points for Governor Sandoval on Wild Horse Protection

Introduction: The Virginia Range horses are a cherished symbol of Nevada's wild heritage. Recent actions by the Nevada Board of Agriculture threaten their future, sparking widespread concern among Nevadans. Here are key talking points urging Governor Sandoval to take immediate action to protect these iconic animals and support the state's economic growth.

1. Prevent Transfer to Private Entities

You must not allow your appointees on the Nevada Board of Agriculture to transfer ownership of the Virginia Range horses to a private entity. This decision could lead to these cherished horses being sent to slaughter auctions.

2. Lack of Research and Public Input

Your Agriculture Board failed to conduct even basic research on the legalities and implications of this action, even forbidding members of the public from discussing alternate proposals. It was evident that the members you appointed to the Board of Agriculture had their minds made up prior to the meeting.

3. Public Opposition

Dozens of Nevadans and business leaders gave testimony opposing this action, with only one out-of-state public comment (by a pro-horse slaughter nonprofit group) made in favor of the action.

4. Economic Impact

You are failing Nevadans by allowing a small minority of cattlemen to run the state. Your own GOED states that agriculture generates fewer than 8,000 jobs statewide. Yet, the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center outside of Reno, which has repeatedly stated that wild horses attract new business, has created 12,000 new jobs, and that number continues to climb.

5. Public Support for Wild Horses

Polls show that 78% of Nevadans want wild horses protected. Business leaders driving Nevada's economic development are telling you that wild horses are good for business. Nevadans are overwhelmingly contacting you, asking you to protect the Virginia Range horses and all wild horses in the state.

6. Listen to Your Constituents

Please stop listening to a small group of extremist ranchers who want to get rid of wild horses and listen to us—the majority of your constituents.

7. Rescind the Board Vote

Please take immediate action to notify the Board of Agriculture and NDA that the recent Board vote regarding the Virginia Range horses must be rescinded. Instruct the NDA to fulfill its obligation under the Cooperative Agreement and work in good faith to privately resolve any issues and resume the humane management of the Virginia Range horses as started four years ago with the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign).