LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A wild horse rescue is calling for greater consideration of a proposal to relocate the wild mustangs on Mt. Charleston, after a dangerous encounter resulted in a child kicked in the head.
The Wild Horse Rescue of Nevada spoke to FOX5 exclusively to share the reasoning behind the proposal, and the dangers currently posed to drivers, hikers and wildlife from close encounters on Mt. Charleston. FOX5 reported that a three-year-old was kicked in the head by a mustang after a close encounter in Lee Meadows.
In May, FOX5 told you about the debate between Mountain residents on the proposal to relocate the wild horse population.
“The wild horses that are currently found in the Spring Mountains Recreation Area developed recreation areas in Lee and Kyle Canyons are outside of their designated territory,” a spokesperson told FOX5 via email. In a March township meeting, a federal official said that a rescue offered a sanctuary in Pahrump for the horses.
The Wild Horse Rescue of Nevada has purchased 10 acres outside Pahrump, and U.S. Forest Service officials said in a spring meeting that they were considering their proposal.
“I absolutely think that the all wild horses and burros should be kept roaming free, but if there is a situation where it is just not possible anymore and it’s a danger to the people and the horses, then either the people need to shape up and abide by the rules, and the forestry or whatever entity is in control needs to have officers 24/7 mitigating it,” said Arianne Sorenson of The Wild Horse Rescue of Nevada.
“If that’s not possible, then if a rescue or people are willing to step up to the plate and take them in for the for the rest of their lives, then why not some some people can provide a good home for them? That’s what we’re trying to do,” Sorenson said, stating that the food, veterinary bills and all rehabilitation costs will be provided by the rescue.
The proposal garnered publicity and pushback, this spring. A change.org petition against relocation has accumulated more than 20,000 signatures, urging the U.S. Forest Service to keep the horses in the area and step up penalties or enforcement against people who pet, feed, and approach horses.
The U.S. Forest Service tells FOX5, they are actively ramping up enforcement and creating an education campaign to inform visitors of federal law.
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