House committee advances bill pausing Salt River wild horse removals to allow genetic study

The Committee of the Whole advanced Senate Bill 1199, as amended, which pauses removals of Salt River wild horses for three years so a genetic diversity study can determine a science‑based target population.

Representative Rhyme described the measure as addressing an issue in his district and statewide, saying the bill "protects the Salt River wild horse herd." He told members the herd size is currently about 273 animals after several years in which it had been roughly 500, and that removals of 25 horses per year had been occurring under a private management contract. "What this bill does is it pauses the removals for 3 years so that we can do a genetic diversity study," Rhyme said, urging a yes vote when the bill reaches third reading.

Committee and floor amendments were offered and adopted, and the Committee of the Whole moved that SB 1199, as amended, receive a due pass recommendation.

Why it matters: The Salt River wild horses are both an ecological subject and a local tourism draw; this bill delays removals to permit scientific study of genetic diversity and to set a carrying target based on evidence rather than a contractual number previously set by the Department of Agriculture.

What’s next: SB 1199, as amended, was recommended to pass by the Committee of the Whole and will appear on the calendar for third reading; sponsors urged members to support the measure when it comes up for final consideration.