NDA withdraws Virginia Range estray horses RFP

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) announced the withdrawal of its request for proposals (RFP) for the transfer of ownership of the 2,951 feral/estray horses on the Virginia Range after no proposals were received by the RFP deadline of April 16, 2018. The order came from NDA Director Jim Barbee on May 2, 2018.

The intent of the RFP was to select an owner that would work to maintain the horse population on the range and facilitate necessary horse adoptions.

No proposals were received by the deadline, therefore no contract effecting a transfer could be completed. Pursuant to Nevada Administrative Code 333.170(3)(b)(2), the request for proposals was withdrawn.

“We are still under an existing directive from the Board of Agriculture to manage the horses for public safety only,” Director Barbee said. “The next step is to go back to the Board for further direction, and we will continue to manage the Virginia Range feral/estray horses for public safety.”

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages a sustainable environment that serves to protect food, fiber and health and human safety through effective service and education. The NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.