Andy Biggs Campaign Office
1959 S. Power Road, Suite 103-303
Mesa, AZ 85206
July 23, 2026
Dear Congressman Biggs:
Congratulations on your recent primary victory.
Last week, you shared that you met with U.S. Department of Agriculture leadership to discuss issues important to Arizona’s cattle industry. We appreciate elected officials taking the time to listen to stakeholders and understand their concerns.
Today, we ask for that same consideration for the thousands of Arizonans concerned about the future of the Salt River wild horses.
The Salt River herd is one of Arizona’s most recognizable and beloved natural and cultural treasures. These horses draw visitors from around the world, contribute to Arizona’s outdoor recreation economy and hold significant historic value for our state. They are also protected under Arizona law.
Public support for protecting the Salt River horses is overwhelming. Multiple public opinion surveys have found strong bipartisan support for preserving the herd, including one survey showing that 78 percent of Arizona voters opposed horse removals and another finding that 88 percent of Arizonans support protecting the Salt River wild horses.
Despite this support, the Arizona Department of Agriculture is moving forward with a plan to reduce the herd from approximately 271 horses today to roughly 120-125 by 2030. Many citizens, scientists, and advocates have expressed concern that these reductions are being pursued without an independent, peer-reviewed scientific review demonstrating that the remaining herd will be genetically healthy, viable, and self-sustaining for future generations.
This is not a request to abandon responsible management. It is a request to follow science before making irreversible decisions.
We respectfully ask:
- Do you support an independent scientific review of the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s herd-reduction plan before additional healthy horses are removed? As was promised at the start of the Salt River Horse Act in 2016.
- Do you believe the Salt River Horse Act was intended to protect these horses from being reduced below scientifically supported population levels?
- Will you meet with representatives of Arizona’s wild horse community to hear their concerns, just as you have met with representatives of other agricultural interests?
Arizonans deserve to know where their elected leaders stand on this issue.
We respectfully request a written response and look forward to learning your position.
Sincerely,
Karen Schutte
Sonoran Signal Media Group