Arizona Governor Signs Historic Bill to Protect Salt River Wild Horses

The following post comes from the American Wild Horse Preservation.

Yesterday was a big day for wild horses in Arizona! At an official ceremony, Governor Doug Ducey signed into law HB 2340 to protect the famed Salt River wild horses of the Tonto National Forest near Phoenix. He stated: “The Salt River horses are beautiful, majestic and a treasure to our state. Since last summer, we have worked to protect them and their ability to roam free…”

Since July 2015, when the U.S. Forest Service announced its intention to round up and dispose of the Salt River wild horses, AWHPC has worked alongside our coalition partner the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG) to defend this very special herd. Thanks and congratulations go to SRWHMG president Simone Netherlands and all the dedicated volunteers, to Rep. Kelly Townsend, sponsor of the bill, to Governor Ducey for standing by the Salt River wild horses from the beginning, and to the Arizona Congressional delegation for its support in protecting this popular herd. We are especially thankful to all the AWHPC supporters who have given us the funds to deploy the necessary resources to shepherd this bill through its many twists and turns in the legislature. 

Now the hard work of developing and implementing a humane management program begins. But for now, it’s time to celebrate victory… The power of the people has again prevailed to save our wild horses!