Nevada Dept. of Agriculture signs horse management cooperative agreement with nonprofit
The Nevada Department of Agriculture has entered into a second non-exclusive cooperative agreement with Wild Horse Connection, a Nevada-based nonprofit, for the management of horses in the Virginia Range, officials announced Tuesday.
The agreement is in addition to a fertility control agreement the NDA signed earlier this year. WHC, with approval from the NDA, will respond to citizen concerns regarding public safety hazards, horse removal and adoption, diversionary feeding and fencing projects.
“Entering into a cooperative agreement for the management of the Virginia Range feral horse population is critical for the protection of public safety,” NDA Director Jennifer Ott said in a news release. “I look forward to working with the volunteers of WHC and our shared goal of managing the population.”
The new agreement addresses horse management for the safety of the public and the horses, and leaves room for additional agreements.
NDA staff will continue to address public safety concerns as-needed in cooperation with WHC, according to the news release.
Horses on highways or roadways should be reported to local law enforcement or by calling NDA’s Animal Industry division 775-353-3608.
“Wild Horse Connection is honored to have the added privilege of working with the Nevada Department of Agriculture to manage the Virginia Range horses, along with aiding community concerns, public education and working actively to limit public safety issues,” Corenna Vance, WHC president, said.
The Virginia Range area includes highway 395 to 95A and I-80 to Highway 50. Nevada is a “fence-out” state, which means if landowners do not want livestock on their property, they must construct a legal fence in accordance with NRS Chapter 569.431. Horses in the Virginia Range cross roadways in search of feed and water sources. Drivers should remain alert and aware at all times.
According to its Mission, Wild Horse Connection is charged with:
"Keeping the Wild Horses of the Virginia Range Free, Educate the Community about living with our Mustangs and Rescuing those that had to be removed from the range. By working with Nevada Department of Agriculture, City, County, Law Enforcement, Developers and Land Owners.
Install fencing, gates, cattle guards, provide water resources in the higher range so the horses stay high up and not down on our community streets. Training our rescued so they can be used for therapy and emotional support. Providing Emergency resources to those in need. Connecting our Community, Protecting the Mustangs and Educating Everyone.
Wild Horse Connection provides horse and safety community education, engages in projects such as fencing, water resources, emergency diversionary feeding, documentation, range management and provides emergency response.
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