#United States #Arizona #Wild Horse Conservation #Sitgreaves National Forest #U.S. Forest Service

Urgent Call for Action Against Wild Horse Roundups

Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation, a leading organization dedicated to preserving the welfare of wild horses, has recently taken a firm stance against the U.S. Forest Service's (USFS) controversial actions in Arizona. On April 24, 2026, the organization, alongside Front Range Equine Rescue and The Gila Herd Foundation of Arizona, sent a letter to USFS officials urging them to discontinue their ongoing illegal capture and removal of wild horses from Sitgreaves National Forest.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

The heart of the issue lies in the USFS's classification of these majestic animals as 'unauthorized livestock,' a designation that activists argue undermines the protections offered by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. According to the organizations, the Forest Service has failed to meet the legal criteria needed to classify these wild horses correctly. The law stipulates that the agency must demonstrate that the horses are on public lands due to 'accident, negligence, or willful disregard of private ownership.' Furthermore, they must prove that these animals have not mixed with the wild free-roaming populations recognized under federal law.

The recent documentation provided by the USFS does not only fail to support their claims but illustrates that they cannot substantiate their assertions legally. The designation of ‘unauthorized livestock’ appears to be an unjustified, arbitrary tactic aimed at removing horses from their designated habitats without adhering to legal protocols.

Activists' Demands

Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation insists on the immediate suspension of any actions that would classify unclaimed horses as 'unauthorized livestock.' They are adamant that the USFS should refrain from capturing horses within the 19,700-acre Heber Wild Horse Territory—designated under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act since 1974.

Neda DeMayo, the founder and president of RTF, passionately expressed, “We will not stand by while the Forest Service removes wild horses from their federally designated habitat… It is essential that they adhere to the law, as these horses rightfully deserve the protections put forth by Congress.”

In response to the illegal roundups, RTF and their partners are calling for the implementation of genetic testing, behavioral studies, and thorough field surveys to assess the actual populations of horses residing within the Sitgreaves National Forest. These measures are vital for determining the true status of the wild horse populations and ensuring their protection.

A Legacy of Advocacy

Since its establishment in 1997, Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation has been a pioneer in wild horse advocacy, focusing on the preservation and humane treatment of these animals. Operating two sanctuaries in California, RTF maintains nearly 500 rescued mustangs and burros on 2,000 acres, serving as a bastion for their welfare and providing experiential learning opportunities for the public. The organization emphasizes a minimally invasive management approach, advocating solutions that can replace costly and traumatic capture methods employed by federal agencies.

As the situation evolves, Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation is committed to upholding the rights and protections granted to America’s wild horses. The call to action against the unlawful roundups highlights a significant intersection of conservation efforts, legal rights, and ethical responsibilities that are crucial for the future of wild equine populations across the United States.

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