Hundreds of people gathered along Eastlake Boulevard to protest against a horse fencing project in Washoe Valley.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture, or NDA, says the fencing will protect horses from collisions on roads, while opponents say it needlessly restricts horses.
“Many of you have seen thousands of beautiful photographs of these horses in and around the lake,” says Cynthia Kennedy, “and if they're fenced out, that won't be there anymore."
Reno City Council approved the horse fencing project back in October.
"They need the water,” says Lynda Bell. “They are welcome in Washoe valley, and we want them to stay and be safe. We want them to be protected. They do not need to be fenced out of the water that they have used for many, many years."
“Many people come to the Washoe lake and Little Washoe to view our horses,” Catherine Ryals says. “They don't come from just all over the state of Nevada. they come from all over the United States and other countries."
Some neighbors proposed alternatives to the fencing project.
"We're talking about painted asphalt, signage, and blinking lights that run 24/7,” says Laura Fuson, “and signage that tells people to slow down so that the horses have two places on Eastlake [Boulevard] to cross safely."
"Let's start with some reduced speed limits,” Christine Smokey says. “Let's start with some night lights, maybe. You know, in the areas are prone to crashes. People know where they go. If that doesn't work, how about a land bridge?"
2 News Nevada asked some protestors what they hope comes out of their demonstration.
"I'm hoping that the power of the people can have an impact on saving these horses,” Louise Martin says.
"I think people and animals and civilization have to coexist,” says Kelly Nagel, “so I would love to see some safe crossings for horses knowing that they are going to have to cross roads. So, safe land bridges or safe crossings."
Chris Fromm says the best-case scenario is if, “[NDA] backs up and ditches their plans and uses that money for better purposes of other, educational reasons and posting signage and maybe even putting a throughway for the horses to get through safely.”
We've reached out to NDA for more details on the project, such as when construction could begin-- but we have not yet heard back.
Nevada State Parks says there is no active construction of new fencing taking place at this time.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture says the fencing will protect horses from collisions on roads, while opponents say it needlessly restricts horses.
