Forest Service postpones action on Salt River horses
Aug 18, 2015, 6:53 PM
(Change.org Photo)
(Change.org Photo)
No action is being taken against the wild horses on the Salt River, at least for now.
Tonto National Forest Supervisor Neil Bosworth has decided to postpone any decisions for at least 120 days, according to a statement.
“Over the coming months, I hope to work with the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group and with other interested parties and stakeholders to try to find a collaborative solution to address the Salt River Horses” said Bosworth. “In addition, I am committing to provide the public and interested parties with at least 30 days’ notice prior to the Forest Service taking any actions associated with the impound notice.”
The Forest Service had originally planned to capture, auction off and dispose of the wild horses. There was a public uproar over possible harm that could come to the animals, but the Forest Service has always claimed they would not harm the horses, instead inspecting them and arranging an auction.
Arizona politicians also spoke out about the issue including Gov. Doug Ducey and Sens. John Flake and John McCain. Flake, McCain and three members of Congress sent letters urging Forest Service officials to halt the roundup.
A petition asking for the Forest Service to “stop the annihilation” of the horses has more than 150,000 supporters.
The Forest Service said they are attempting to respond to public concerns and questions by posting answers on their Frequently Asked Questions page.
