courtesy of Corolla Wild Horse Fund – http://www.corollawildhorses.com

On Thursday July 26th U.S. Senators Kay Hagan (D-NC) and  Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced legislation to help protect the wild horse population of the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  The Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act (S. 3448) calls for the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a new management plan with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, Currituck County and the state of North Carolina to provide for the free-roaming horses in and around the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.

These horses, known as Spanish Colonial Mustangs or “Banker Horses”, can be traced back to Spanish explorers arrival on the Outer Banks in the 16th century and they have survived here for over 500 years.  They are the official state horse of North Carolina and are an important part of the history of North Carolina and an intergral part of U.S. history as well. 

In February 2012  the House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by Walter B. Jones (R-NC) – H.R. 306.  The Senate has not taken any action on this bill so the Senate bill was introduced as companion legislation.

It is important to the long term health and viability of the herd for this bill to pass.  Many national organizations that are proponents for the health and welfare of horses, included the ASPCA and the Animal Welfare Institute support this bill.  

Please contact your state Senators and ask that they help pass the “Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act”.