In August of 2012, ARM Investigations and Respect 4 Horses once again teamed up in a desperate fight to save the threatened Salt River Wild Horses in Arizona. In the coming months, the US Forest service has plans to round up an estimated 80-100 wild horses who grace the banks of the Mesa River, 15 minutes from the bustling city of Phoenix. ARM is currently in the process of using our documentation to duplicate the investigations, and outcome, of The Walker Lake Herd.
Due to the rise of tourism in tubing and kayaking activities along the Mesa River, the US Forest Services have now become aware of the wild horses, and consider them as feral and as polluting the river. However, and from ARM’s recent investigation, the only evidence of pollution of the area was from plastic bottles and trash being left behind from party goers who frequent the river. On the contrary, the wild horses are aiding in the maintenance of the environment by grazing on the rivers seaweed and reseeding the vegetation through their manure.
ARM Investigators also documented that the horses were openly sharing the land with cattle and other wildlife. With a plentiful supply of water and vegetation, there is no evidence of abuse to the land, domination or overpopulation.
The Salt River Wild Horses are considered a natural beauty and icon to locals and are a potential draw for future tourism to promote the beauty of the land and history. Recently one of the bands leaders, Sarge, became famous for saving one of foals from drowning in the river, also drawing tourist attention to the Mesa River.
ARM and Respect 4 Horses are continuing their campaign and our tireless efforts will not cease until these horses are saved from being rounded up.
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