Things are moving in a positive direction for the herd of wild horses living near the Lower Salt River and Saguaro Lake, as House Bill 2340 received a large vote of approval from the House last week and has moved on to the governor for final consideration.

Last year, the Tonto National Forest Service announced that approximately 100 horses historically living near the Salt River would be “impounded,” as they had been labeled as stray animals, turned out by their owners.

Public outcry led to Tonto National Forest Supervisor Neil Bosworth postponing any decision involving the horses until sometime this year, but the proposed impound may soon become a moot point if Governor Dough Ducey adds his signature to the bill.

While a form of the bill was already passed by the Senate, it was argued that the wording did not fully protect the horses and needed to be retooled. To provide further protection, Mesa Rep. Kelly Townsend consulted with The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group in order to strengthen the bill, making it illegal to “take, harass, kill or otherwise interfere” with the wild horses.

That proposal was sent to the Senate and met with approval and, last week, returned to the House where it received a vote of 53-3. If this version of the bill is approved by the governor, it would provide an even safer umbrella under which the wild horses may continue to roam.