Juan Ciscomani, David Schweikert Urge for Protection of Salt River, Heber Horses

Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and David Schweikert (R-AZ) have written to the U.S. Forest Service, urging the continued protection of the Salt River and Heber wild horse herds.

Why the Letter Was Written

In August 2024, the Forest Service asked the Arizona Department of Agriculture to revise its management program for the Salt River herd, removing them from their habitat, despite the Forest Service having disclaimed authority over the horses in May 2024.

Additionally, the Forest Service's participation in the planning process could have potentially violated the National Environmental Policy Act.

Concerning the Heber herd, the Forest Service authorized the impoundment of horses identified as "unauthorized livestock" as of April 27th of this year, with Reps. Ciscomani and Schweikert asking for reassurance that the Heber horses will not be counted as "unauthorized livestock."

What Ciscomani and Schweikert are Saying

"Wild horses embody the spirit and heritage of the West and are beloved by Arizonans. These animals deserve to be protected and treated humanely," said Rep. Ciscomani in a press release. "For too long, the Salt River and Heber horses have faced cruel and improper removal, and we must ensure they receive the protections they deserve. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, I remain committed to advancing humane policies and continuing to elevate these concerns on the federal level."

Similarly, Rep. Schweikert said, "Arizona's wild horses are deeply valued by the communities that have worked for years to protect them. We are asking USDA to work with us on clear protocols for the Salt River and Heber herds so management decisions are humane, transparent, and on solid legal footing."

Previous Concerns for the Horse Herds

In September, Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky reviewed a plan to move 50 to 60 Salt River wild horses to a new sanctuary in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, as reported in a newsletter, a move that was met with concern because the federal government sought to reduce the herd from approximately 282 to 100.

Then in April, a new contract from the Arizona Department of Agriculture was awarded to the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG), which would reduce the herd to 120 specimens within five years.

As a result, State Representative Cody Reim (R-3) introduced Senate Bill 1199, which would place a moratorium on removals except for genuine medical or veterinary needs, not population control, while a peer-reviewed genetic diversity study is completed.