Arizona State Rep. Kelly Townsend, Chair of the Federalism and States’ Rights Committee, won a reprieve for the Salt River Horses, in a meeting with officials of the Tonto National Forest, on Wednesday afternoon.
The horses have captured the world’s attention after the Forest Service determined that they would be permanently removed beginning August 7, 2015. The public notice announcing the removal stated that “livestock not sold at public sale may be sold at private sale or condemned and destroyed.
Townsend, a staunch advocate of states’ rights, and an animal lover, said after meeting with Neil Bosworth and Chandler Mundy of the Forest Service, “I felt it was a constructive meeting. We were assured that no action will be taken to round up or remove the Salt River Horses before the US Congress comes back into session in early September,” Townsend told constituents. “I know that members of our Congressional delegation have contacted Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack, who has authority over the Forest Service, asking for a way to resolve the issue.”
Townsend acted in response to Arizonans across the political spectrum, who banded together to save the wild horses. The horses roam along the lower Salt and Verde Rivers in the Tonto National Forest, and have become an integral part of the community. Townsend said that the delay could not have happened without the efforts of area residents.
“Now that we know that there is some breathing room – hopefully we can come to good solution in this matter,” said Townsend, who described the federal officials as empathetic to the residents’ concerns. “We want to make sure that the Western Heritage of Arizona is preserved, and in my opinion the Salt River Horses are part of that rich cultural heritage,” concluded Townsend.
Townsend is holding a town hall event on Sunday at the Love of Christ Lutheran Church, located at 1525 N Power Rd, Mesa, Arizona. Townsend is inviting the public to the open microphone event, because, “every last voice is important. This town hall is important,” explained Townsend, “because we want to continue to show our commitment to saving the horses. These horses represent all that is good about our state and we will defend them.”