Arizona House passes bill protecting Salt River Horses

PHOENIX (AP) — The House approved a measure that would offer protections to the herd of wild horses living near Arizona’s Salt River.

Rep. Kelly Townsend of Mesa is sponsoring a proposal that would place the herd of about 100 horses under care of the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

The measure comes after the U.S. Forest Service planned to remove the horses. The Forest Service has since reversed its decision facing public pressure.

Townsend amended her proposal with additional protections after meeting with The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group. They include designating areas along the Salt River for the herd and prohibiting the department from auctioning off any of the horses.

The House passed House Bill 2340 on 38-22 vote Thursday. It now moves to the Senate.