On Wednesday, Governor Doug Ducey signed HB 2340 into law, a bi-partisan bill protecting the Salt River horses that live in the lower Salt River and Saguaro lake region of Arizona.
HB 2340 makes it illegal to harass, shoot, kill, or slaughter the Salt River wild horses. The legislation was drafted with stakeholder input after the U.S. Forest Service announced it would remove the horses from the region, causing a public outcry. Representative Kelly Townsend, a longtime admirer of the Salt River herd, immediately formed a coalition so that the more than 100 horses would continue to roam free in Arizona.
The push to get this legislation passed was a joint effort from the sheriff’s department, the International Society for the protection of Mustangs and Burros and the Salt River Wild Horse management company. When all these organizations came together it truly shows what can be done from the grassroots level to the House chamber.
Rep. Kelly Townsend stated, “I am ecstatic and thankful this bill passed the legislature with bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Ducey. This law will truly help these beautiful horses, preserving one of the oldest and most treasured natural wonders in our state. I want to personally thank everyone involved in helping to craft this legislation and all the hard work and passion that was put into this bill. Together, we have shown that Arizona cares about its natural beauty and wildlife.”