Wild horses wouldn't be wildlife in Nevada

Wild horses may have the protection of the federal government, but when it comes to Nevada water law they'd have less standing than mollusks under a bill making its way through the state Legislature.

The six lines contained in AB329 would eliminate wild horses and burros from the definition of wildlife, thereby preventing new water rights from being issued to benefit wild horses and burros.

The bill comes up for a hearing Friday before a Senate committee.

Wild horse advocates say the bill would deprive horses access to water in the harsh desert terrain.

Backers of the bill deny that claim. They say the intent is to force the government's hand to deal with too many horses that damage the range.