The Salt River Wild Horse Management and its national coalition partner, the American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC) has commended Governor Doug Ducey and the U.S. Forest Service for reaching an agreement for the management of the Salt River Wild Horses.
Renowned Salt River Horses
Two years ago, the Forest Service announced its intent to remove and 'dispose of' the Salt River wild horses, but this ignited a public outcry so large that it changed the fate of these animals.
© 2018 by Jana Wilson
The agreement fulfills the conditional enactment clause of the Salt River Wild Horse Act, passed by the Arizona Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ducey in May 2016.
The agreement establishes a management structure and process to provide humane management for the Salt River wild horses, who reside in the Tonto National Forest.
The agreement authorizes the state to partner with a non-profit organization to assist with management and care of the Salt River Wild Horses. The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group stands ready to provide that assistance and continue its long-standing role in caring for these majestic horses.
“Two years ago, the Salt River wild horses were almost removed and slaughtered. Today is a great day. The Salt River wild horses are protected from harassment and slaughter.
We are deeply grateful to Governor Doug Ducey for his compassion and dedication to protecting these cherished wild horses, to State Rep. Kelly Townsend for introducing the bill that made this agreement to protect the horses possible, and to the Forest Service for recognizing the public’s strong interest in protecting this historic and popular horse herd, ” said Simone Netherlands, President of the SRWHMG.
“The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group, with our 100 volunteers and daily presence on the Salt River, is ready to roll up our sleeves and enter into an agreement with the state to continue our management of this wild horse herd that people from all over the world travel to see,” Netherlands continued.
“We are grateful for the enormous public support for our work, which has included the rescue and treatment of seriously injured Salt River wild horses, fixing miles of fencing to keep horses out of roadways and education/outreach activities to keep the public and the horses safe.”
“On behalf of our 600,000 supporters and followers, we thank Governor Ducey for his commitment to protecting the Salt River Wild Horses and ensuring their humane management,” said Suzanne Roy, AWHC Executive Director.
“We look forward to supporting our wonderful coalition partner, the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group, with the implementation of an effective program to protect and humanely manage the magnificent Salt River wild horses.”
Two years ago, the Forest Service announced its intent to remove and “dispose of” the Salt River wild horses. The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group, assisted by AWHC, swiftly coordinated rallies and ignited a public outcry so large that it changed the fate of these beloved and majestic animals.
Subsequently the groups negotiated and fought for passage of legislation for the horses’ protection. The legislation went into effect on January 1st 2018.
The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group is an Arizona non-profit organization (501 c3) dedicated to protect, monitor and study the Salt River wild horses.
The American Wild Horse Campaign is dedicated to preserving American wild horses and burros in viable, free-roaming herds for generations to come, as part of our national heritage. Its grassroots mission is endorsed by a coalition of more than 60 horse advocacy, humane and public interest organizations.