A resolution opposing the development of wild horse sanctuaries in Nevada took a step forward earlier this month when it was passed that state’s Senate Natural Resources Committee.

The committee passage took place shortly after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced it was seeking proposal from private sector individuals and organizations interested in developing sanctuaries for wild mustangs and burros currently residing in agency-managed long-term holding facilities. The eco-sanctuary development program is intended to provide an alternative to the long-term holding of horses and burros removed from ranges. The sanctuaries would sustain at least 200 animals and must be designed to provide a variety of public access opportunities for education, tourism, and wild horse training and adoption.

Nevada SJR5 opposes the development of the sanctuaries in Nevada. The resolution also instructs the Nevada Congressional delegation to oppose any amendments to the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971 that would expand BLM herd management areas in Nevada.

The Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act places wild horses and burros under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management and directed the Secretary of the Interior to designate and maintain specific ranges on public lands as sanctuaries for the animals. As a result, states do not have jurisdiction over wild horse and burro management