Bill to maintain wild horses at TR National Park passes the Senate, heads to House

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — Legislation to protect wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park is closer to being enacted.

The Senate has passed a bipartisan bill to maintain the wild horse herd.

It would require the Interior Department to maintain a genetically-diverse herd of no fewer than 150 horses in the South Unit.

The only time a horse could be removed would be to improve genetic diversity, in the case of an emergency or to protect public safety.

The wild horses go way back to when Teddy Roosevelt was a rancher in the badlands.

“Wild horses add so much to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. So this legislation makes sure they are there for the public to see and enjoy not only today but for future generations,” said Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.