The Salt River horses are a cherished part of Arizona’s natural and cultural heritage. For years, Arizonans have asked for greater transparency, accountability, and scientific integrity in how this herd is managed. SB 1199 is not a perfect bill—few bills are—but it represents meaningful progress toward those goals.

We urge Governor Katie Hobbs to sign it.

1. SB 1199 strengthens protections for Salt River horses by extending legal safeguards to horses that were formerly part of the herd. As removals, adoptions, and private placements become more common, these horses remain part of Arizona’s story and deserve continued protection under state law.
2. The bill also requires an independent genetic assessment of the herd and makes both the data and the scientific studies publicly available. For years, discussions about herd genetics and population viability have relied on information that has not always been accessible to the public. SB 1199 brings that information into the open, where it belongs.
3. In addition, the bill requires the Arizona Department of Agriculture to publish its management agreements with the U.S. Forest Service and private management entities online. The public should not have to rely on rumors or public records requests to understand how a treasured Arizona herd is being managed or who is making key decisions.
4. Finally, SB 1199 temporarily limits removals while the herd is experiencing negative population growth and an independent genetic assessment is underway. "This helps ensure that future decisions are based on current scientific information rather than outdated or incomplete data.

We believe that management decisions should be transparent, accountable, and informed by independent science. SB 1199 does not solve every issue, but it moves Arizona decisively in that direction.

Please sign this petition and join us in urging Governor Katie Hobbs to sign SB 1199.