In the cull of 2012, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development issued a reported 237 permits, resulting in a reported 216 wild horses being taken to slaughter by the end of February. SRD now estimates 778 free roaming horses remain on the Eastern Slopes of Alberta, an area of over 13 thousand square kilometers.
These horses have spent hundreds of years and generations, surviving very harsh conditions and predators, the most dangerous being human. They are indeed – WILD!
Our wild horses are an integral part of Alberta’s heritage and culture.
They must be recognized as a distinct species with their own special status and protection, comparable to other wildlife species, free of capture, harassment and abuse.
Please respond as to what initiatives will be undertaken by the Government of Alberta, particularly Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, to protect and preserve the Wild Horses of Alberta.
At minimum, please do not issue any permits or allow any trapping of our wild horses for the next cull period (Dec 15, 2012 to March 31, 2013).
