Advocates Push Back Against Alberta’s Plan to Manage Wild Horse Population
The Alberta government’s proposal to manage the province’s wild horse population has sparked a heated debate among wildlife advocates, ranchers, and residents of the Rocky Mountain foothills. At the heart of the controversy are wild horses like Maverick, Radar, and White Spirit, beloved by equine enthusiasts and followed by thousands on social media.
Wild Horses of Sundre: A Symbol of Freedom
Sundre, Alberta, northwest of Calgary, is home to the largest concentration of the province’s approximately 1,500 wild horses. Joanne King, a retired teacher and passionate photographer, spends her days observing and documenting these iconic animals.
“They are loved,” said King. “Those horses are my world.”
King isn’t alone. Visitors and locals alike frequently stop to admire and photograph the horses roaming the foothills. Thousands follow their stories online through social media groups dedicated to the animals.
Government’s Population Control Plan
Forestry Minister Todd Loewen recently announced that if an upcoming count finds the wild horse population exceeds management thresholds, the government will take action. The measures include selecting 30 horses for adoption and administering contraception to up to 90 animals.
The government cites environmental concerns, claiming the wild horses impact the landscape and compete with other grazing animals. The 2023 population survey recorded 969 horses in the Sundre area, close to the government-imposed threshold of 1,000 for the region.
“Some believe the feral horses shouldn’t exist at all because they’re not native to Alberta, while others want them across the province,” Loewen said. “We aim to ensure these horses thrive and coexist within their ecosystems.”
Historical Context of Alberta’s Wild Horses
A government document, the Feral Horse Management Framework, outlines how horses became part of Alberta’s landscape. While they went extinct in North America after the last ice age, European settlers reintroduced them for labor and transportation. Over time, many were released into the wild, establishing today’s populations.
Since the 1960s, Alberta has removed approximately 2,100 wild horses due to natural resource concerns. The current management framework, developed in 2013, governs six equine management zones.
Opposition from Wildlife Advocates
Critics argue the government’s measures lack scientific justification and disproportionately favor the cattle industry.
“These actions amount to equine genocide,” said Darrell Glover, founder of the Help Alberta Wildies Society and a member of Alberta’s Feral Horse Advisory Committee. “There’s no proof that wild horses are responsible for landscape damage.”
Glover accuses the government of prioritizing cattle grazing interests over wildlife. Ranchers with grazing lease agreements could benefit from reduced competition for forage if wild horse populations decline, he said.
“Certain ranchers could see increased grazing allotments if there weren’t wild horses,” Glover explained. “It’s all about money.”
Advocates also worry about the ethical implications of past adoption programs, noting some horses ended up at slaughter auctions. Glover’s organization plans to independently monitor the upcoming population survey, challenging the government’s findings.
Local Support for Wild Horses
Back in Sundre, King and her neighbors remain steadfast in their support for the horses.
“There’s enough grass for cattle and wild horses alike,” King said. “The people who live here are attached to these horses. They love them, and we’re going to fight for them.”
The Road Ahead
As the Alberta government prepares to implement its controversial population control measures, the debate highlights the delicate balance between wildlife conservation, agricultural interests, and community values.
Source : The Canadian Press
