AZ HB2858

Prohibits harassment, shooting, injury, killing or slaughter of Salt River horse herd without written authorization from the Department of Agriculture or county sheriff, with authorization only for humane purposes.

Requires any removal of Salt River horses from lower Salt River and Saguaro Lake areas to be approved by the governor and posted on the department website before removal, with removal documentation and notification to state leaders within ten business days.

Establishes the Salt River horse fund from private grants and contributions, continuously appropriated and exempt from lapsing, with monies to fund a bridge construction agreement between the Department of Agriculture and Department of Transportation for the herd.

Creates civil penalty of $8,000 per horse for illegally taking, wounding, killing or possessing a Salt River horse, with penalties doubling for second violations and tripling for third violations.

Authorizes the Department of Agriculture and county sheriff to enforce violations as class 1 misdemeanors and permits agreements with private entities to address herd issues, except private entities cannot engage in law enforcement activities.