PHOENIX — A herd of about 500 wild horses along the Salt River could get protection from everything from being removed by the Forest Service to being harassed by drunken tourists.
Gov. Doug Ducey has signed a bill that makes it illegal to harass, shoot, injure or slaughter a horse that is part of the herd. And even capturing or euthanizing a horse that is injured or causing problems would require written authorization from either the state Department of Agriculture or the Maricopa County sheriff.
Rep. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, who spearheaded the legislation, said this should end the threats to the herd that began last year when the U.S. Forest Service announced it would round up the horses in the Tonto National Forest and sell them to protect the environment in and around the river. Environmental groups sided with the federal agency.
But that provoked an outcry from horse lovers and a lawsuit to prevent their removal.
The Forest Service agreed to back off, at least for the time being. The new law specifically authorizes the state to enter into an agreement with the federal agency, with the state effectively in charge of managing the herd.
Townsend said it shields the herd from humans, well-intentioned or otherwise.
HB 2340 says the provisions take effect only if an agreement is made with the Forest Service by the end of next year.
