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A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO ESTABLISH A COMMISSION FOR THE

PRESERVATION OF WILD HORSES.

WHEREAS, there are wild horses currently living on

public lands in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, a wild horse preserve could prompt local

economic development by drawing tourists into a region to see

nondomesticated horses in a natural state; and

WHEREAS, a wild horse preserve could link historic and

cultural tourism to attract visitors; and

WHEREAS, a wild horse preserve could serve as a valuable

resource for educational and youth-oriented organizations; and

WHEREAS, there exist in other areas of the country

successful wild horse preserves with herds ranging in size

from one hundred sixty to six hundred fifty horses with

preserves from three hundred twenty to nine thousand acres in

size; and

WHEREAS, there is currently no facility for caring for

feral and abandoned horses in McKinley county; and

WHEREAS, a horse rescue facility in McKinley county

would reduce the property damage and public nuisance caused by

wild horses in McKinley county and could prepare wild horses

for adoption;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF

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REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it request the

governor to establish a commission for the preservation of

wild horses; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission for the

preservation of wild horses have as its primary purpose the

preservation of viable herds of wild horses on public lands;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the activities of the

commission for the preservation of wild horses include

promoting the management and protection of wild horses, acting

as a liaison between the state, the public and parties

interested in the preservation of wild horses, advising the

governor on issues affecting wild horses, developing and

coordinating projects to study wild horses and their habitat,

making information about wild horses available to the news

media and the general public, managing the Heil trust fund for

wild horses and reporting to the legislature on the

commission's activities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission conduct a

study regarding the establishment of horse rescue facilities

and report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate

interim legislative committees; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be

transmitted to the governor.