Why did KNXV News of Phoenix go to the Campaign Against America’s Wild Horses, a leader in nonmotorized removal and instigator of the largest attempted eradication of wild horses in Nevada, to write a report about a herd in its own back yard?
Perhaps the Salt River Wild Horse Darting Group, hired by the state to manage the herd and one of the contenders for the new contract, was not allowed to comment.
Why are statements in the report inconsistent with remarks in the video?
For example, the report says that federal fencing and reduced access to habitat—not the advocates—have pushed the population down from 460 horses to around 280.
But the video says it’s a combination of fertility control—the handiwork of the Salt River advocates—and the boundary fence.
Both include an allegation by CAAWH that the Tonto National Forest and Governor Katie Hobbs’ office discussed a plan with the Arizona Department of Agriculture that would leave as few as 21 horses on the range, which would doom the herd.
The herd is already doomed, thanks to the advocates.
A minimum of 150 to 200 horses is needed to preserve genetic diversity according to CAAWH, which does not take into account the number of mares ruined, or being ruined, by the fertility control program.
A herd of 500 would not be enough when you can count the breeding population on one hand.
Humane disposal of wild horses, demonstrated by Jay Kirkpatrick on Assateague Island and popularized by the advocates, has two components:
- Snuffing out new life with PZP
- Praying for the older horses die
The Salt River herd has been shrinking at a rate of 9% per year, more than can be attributed to natural causes.
RELATED: Salt River Advocates Submit Management Proposal?
Western Horse Watchers Association 