Plan to Cull Feral Horses Clashes with Alberta's Cowboy Culture

Alberta's decision to cull its wild horse population has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it contradicts the province's rich cowboy heritage. A license has been issued to capture up to 200 feral horses in the Sundre area, raising concerns about the fate of these animals.

Opponents fear that many horses will end up in slaughterhouses or perish during the roundup. "Why are we killing our horses? We live in Alberta. We pride ourselves on horse culture," said Anita Virginello, a protester in Calgary. "We're home to the Calgary Stampede, numerous rodeos, and ranches."

Virginello criticized the province for promoting its cowboy culture while being "the horse slaughter capital of Canada," calling for change. The government, however, insists that the feral horse population needs to be managed to balance the ecosystem.

"It's actually a capture, not a cull," explained Carrie Sancartier, a spokeswoman for Alberta Environment and Sustainable Development. "The feral horses eat the grass, but so do wildlife such as deer and elk. This grass is sensitive to overgrazing, so we have put in place a capture season to remove a small portion of the feral horses."

Sancartier noted that the horse population in the Sundre area rose to 980 last year from 778 the previous year. The count is conducted annually by helicopter.

The horses are descendants of domestic animals used in early 1900s logging and mining operations. Joe Anglin, environment critic for the Opposition Wildrose party, questioned the scientific basis for the cull, citing a lack of evidence.

"We don't have answers to any questions, and now they're going to move forward and cull the herd," Anglin said. "If there's about 1,000 horses, what's the appropriate size of the herd for the habitat? How do you make a decision if you don't know if the habitat can sustain the existing size?"

The Alberta government last issued a capture order in 2011, removing 216 horses. Sancartier acknowledged the emotional nature of the issue but emphasized the need to manage resources for all users, including wildlife and livestock.

Anglin believes most Albertans oppose the plan, as the horse culture is integral to Alberta's identity of independence and strength. The roundup is permitted until March 1.

Originally Posted By The Canadian Press