This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding the Salt River horse herd. It introduces new language that emphasizes the protection of the herd by making it illegal to intentionally harass, shoot, injure, kill, or slaughter any horse that is or was part of the herd. Additionally, it specifies that if a horse cannot be identified as part of the herd, the department or county sheriff may authorize its removal and transfer to a private entity with a valid agreement to manage the herd. The bill also mandates that the department maintain a genetically viable herd and make all genetic assessment data publicly available.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that restrict private entities from removing horses from the herd if it maintains a negative growth rate, unless necessary for the welfare of individual horses. It prohibits the use of certain population control measures and ensures that no new agreements can be made that would require the removal of horses from the herd. The bill also establishes a timeline for the repeal of certain provisions and emphasizes the importance of conducting a comprehensive genetic assessment of the herd. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the protection and management of the Salt River horse herd while ensuring transparency and adherence to scientific standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-3026.02, 41-3034.02
Senate Engrossed Version: 41-3026.02, 41-3034.02
House Engrossed Version: 3-1491