This bill proposes significant updates to the current statutes regarding the Salt River horse herd. It introduces new provisions that allow the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) or the county sheriff to remove and transfer unidentified horses, provided they are not marked as part of the Salt River horse herd, to a private entity for adoption. The bill mandates that the AZDA prioritize agreements with entities experienced in managing the herd and requires the department to maintain a genetically viable population of the herd, making genetic assessment data publicly available. Additionally, it establishes penalties for unauthorized interference with the horses and outlines specific conditions under which private entities may operate concerning the herd.

The bill also includes several deletions and amendments to existing language. It removes the classification of horses in the Salt River horse herd as stray animals and changes the penalties for violations related to the herd from a class 1 misdemeanor to a petty offense. Furthermore, it prohibits the AZDA from entering into new agreements that would require the removal of horses from the herd and specifies that any private entity contracted to manage the herd cannot remove horses if the herd is experiencing a negative growth rate, unless necessary for individual animal welfare. The act is designated as an emergency measure, allowing for immediate implementation upon the Governor's signature.

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