Wild Horse Advocates Divided Over Interior Nominee

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Wild horse advocates are unified in their opposition to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, yet they are divided over President Barack Obama's choice to replace him. The nomination of Sally Jewell, chief of Recreational Equipment Inc., has sparked mixed reactions due to her diverse background.

Horse defenders have sharply criticized Salazar, noting that nearly 40,000 mustangs have been removed from the range across the West during his four-year tenure, which ends in March.

Suzanne Roy of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) says her group "responded optimistically" to Obama's nomination of Sally Jewell. Roy highlights Jewell's background as a conservationist and outdoor enthusiast.

However, Anne Novak of California-based Protect Mustangs expresses skepticism due to Jewell's past as a Mobil Oil engineer and commercial banker.

Madeleine Pickens of Saving America's Mustangs welcomes the change and is hopeful that Jewell's background indicates empathy for mustangs.

Originally Posted By KRNV Reno