Scottsdale Mayor Borowsky Reviews Plan to Save Salt River Horses from Sanctuary Removal

Dozens of wild horses roaming Arizona's Salt River could soon find a new home as city officials consider creating a sanctuary to save them from government removal plans.

Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is reviewing a plan that would move 50 to 60 Salt River wild horses to a new sanctuary in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, as reported in a newsletter. 

The idea comes as federal and state agencies plan to reduce the current horse population from about 282 animals to possibly as few as 100.

"These beloved animals, who have roamed the land for generations and brought joy to countless visitors, now face a serious threat of being diverted to slaughterhouses. The reason for this forced removal remains unclear," she said.

A citizen committee has already given its report to the city manager, who will decide whether to present it to the City Council for approval.

Salt River Contract

The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group has been caring for the horses since 2016 under a contract with the Arizona Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service. That contract has ended, and officials expect any new management agreement to include significant herd reductions.

"This is not a partisan issue—it's a matter of community, heritage, and compassion." Lisa Borowsky explained that the sanctuary would align with Scottsdale's western heritage while addressing federal requirements.

She noted in the newsletter that the city cannot house all the horses that agencies plan to remove, so that other solutions will be needed as well.

Community Engagement

City officials plan to gather public feedback before making any decisions. They want to review ecological impacts, costs, and practical challenges of managing horses in the preserve.

A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, at 5 p.m. at the Granite Reef Senior Center on North Granite Reef Road. 

Future Plans

The mayor said she plans to work with other cities, the governor's office, nonprofit groups, and private citizens to find homes for horses that cannot stay in Scottsdale. 

"As a lifelong horsewoman and proud Scottsdale resident, I believe we have an obligation to evaluate whether the city can help in ensuring a protected future for this special herd." Borowsky expressed.