Press release Friday, December 29th 2017

Mesa, AZ . . . The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group and its national coalition partner, the American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC) commended Governor Doug Ducey, the State Ag department and the U.S. Forest Service for reaching an agreement for the management of the Salt River Wild Horses. 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 Ag Department 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 disposed of. 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,  for State Rep. Kelly Townsend for introducing the bill that made this agreement to protect the horses possible, for the State Ag Department 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, swiftly coordinated rallies and ignited a public outcry so large, that changed the fate of these beloved and majestic animals. Subsequently the group negotiated and fought for passage of legislation for the horses’ protection. The legislation has now become law.