WASHINGTON, D.C. - Third District Congressman Jon Porter has introduced legislation in the House of Representatives that helps to ensure Nevada’s wild horse population is protected from overpopulation, drought conditions and potential abuses.  The “Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Sale and Adoption Act of 2005” creates incentives for responsible persons to adopt or purchase wild horses, and establishes safeguards against potential abuse of the animals.  Congressman Jim Gibbons and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley have signed onto the bill as original cosponsors, while Senator Reid has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Wild horses are a symbol of the American West, and are particularly important to Nevadans, as more than half of the nation’s wild horse population resides within our state,” said Porter.  “However, lack of viable land for grazing due to horse overpopulation and drought conditions has threatened their very existence.  By introducing this legislation, we are taking a huge step towards resolving the overpopulation issue.  These animals belong in safe hands, and it is this bill’s intention to see to that.”

The bill contains three major provisions that will go a long way in protecting wild horses.  First, it establishes a one-year waiting period before a title is issued for a purchased horse.  This language is included in order to prevent a potential buyer from putting a horse in unsafe hands.  Second, the bill eliminates the current four horse annual limit on titling adopted horses, which will allow individuals or families wanting to protect more wild horses under their care the freedom to do so.  Finally, the bill lowers the wild horse adoption fee by 80% (from $125 to $25), providing instant savings for individuals or families seeking to care for a horse.

“This legislation will support our wild horse adoption program by reducing the obstacles many face in adopting a horse, while also providing additional safeguards to the new sale authority.  As we work to better manage our ranges, our goal always has and always will be to provide our wild horses with caring homes where they can live in a healthy and safe environment,”  said Rep. Gibbons.

“This compromise legislation includes important safeguards that are absent under our current policy and that are needed to protect animals adopted and sold through the wild horse and burro program.  I commend Senator Reid and Congressman Porter for taking the lead in addressing the needs of our wild horse and burro population and I am proud to join their effort to improve how we manage these magnificent symbols of our western heritage, including the herds who roam Nevada's mountains and deserts.  These special animals deserve better than to be destroyed or sold for food overseas and I am optimistic that we will see more adoptions as a result of this proposal,” said Rep. Berkley.

The bill will now be referred to the House Resources Committee, of which Rep. Gibbons is a member.

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