Wild Horse Cull Lacks Scientific Evidence: Minister's Decision on 2016 Cull Imminent

A comprehensive investigation into the Alberta government's claims of wild horse overpopulation and ecological damage has found no scientific evidence to support these assertions. The decision from the Minister on the 2016 cull is expected soon.

Zoocheck conducted a 1 ½ year review, examining all publicly available materials and additional documentation obtained through provincial Freedom of Information requests. This included letters, notes, reports, and a technical review of the Alberta free-roaming horse management program by expert consultant biologist Wayne McCrory.

The expert report and other materials were submitted to Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips in December to aid her decision-making process regarding the 2016 capture permits. The Minister's decision is anticipated imminently.

“The report reveals that there is no science supporting the capture for ecological reasons of additional wild horses in Alberta. Furthermore, government officials are unable to point to any evidence of rangeland damage attributable to wild horses,” said Julie Woodyer, Campaign Director for Zoocheck.

Alberta Government representatives claim they want to ensure some wild horses remain on the landscape. However, captures have continued without scientific justification and without consideration of the number of horses needed to maintain genetic integrity. Currently, there are fewer than 800 free-roaming horses in Alberta, fragmented into sub-populations, which experts argue is too low.

“Wild horse populations in other parts of Canada are protected, but Alberta’s wild horses are being managed toward extinction. They have already been nearly extirpated in the Brazeau Equine Zone due to government-sanctioned captures,” Woodyer added. “We hope the Minister will move this issue away from making a purely political decision to satisfy a small subset of ranchers who oppose the horses, to what the information and science actually shows.”

Originally posted by Zoo Check