Wild Horse Cull Lacks Supporting Scientific Evidence

A comprehensive investigation into the Alberta government's claims of wild horse overpopulation and ecological damage reveals a lack of scientific evidence. This review, conducted over a year and a half, scrutinizes the assertions made by the government regarding the ecological impact of wild horses.

Investigation and Findings

Zoocheck reviewed all publicly available materials and additional documentation, including letters, notes, and reports obtained through provincial Freedom of Information requests. On-site visits were conducted to observe free-roaming horses and their habitats. A technical review of the Alberta free-roaming (feral) horse management program was prepared by expert consultant biologist Wayne McCrory.

Theexpert reportand other materials were forwarded to Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips in December 2015 to inform her 2016 capture permit decision-making process; the Minister’s decision is imminent.

Current Situation and Concerns

Alberta Government representatives claim they want to ensure some wild horses remain on the landscape, but captures have continued without scientific justification and with no regard for the genetic integrity of the free-roaming horse populations. According to the Alberta Government, there are now fewer than 800 free-roaming horses in all of Alberta, fragmented into sub-populations, numbers that experts say are far too low.

Ecological Impact and Recommendations

Renowned wild horse ecologist Craig Downer recently released his ownexpert reporton the Alberta wild horse issue. Downer describes extensive damage by logging, oil and gas, ranching, and other industries in the Alberta Foothills, and says that retaining healthy wild horse populations on the landscape is a key strategy to its recovery.

During his 12-day visit to the Alberta foothills, Downer conducted 38 ecological evaluations in various diverse types of habitat. He describes in detail severe damage from human activities and outlines how horses assist in building healthy soil and dispersing more intact seeds from a greater variety of plants compared to cattle. He recommends that wild horses, who coevolved with the habitats they now live in, be allowed to fill their ecological niche and play their natural role.

Zoocheck forwarded Downer’s report to Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips in early January 2016 to inform her 2016 capture permit decision-making process.

Contact Information

For more information contact:

Julie Woodyer, Campaigns Director.

Toll free: 1-888-801-3222, Cell: 416-451-5976

Originally posted by Horse Journals