Zoocheck, a Canadian-based international wildlife protection charity, has released a report citing a lack of scientific evidence to support the wild horse culls in Alberta.
Over the course of 18 months, Zoocheck reviewed all publicly available materials and supplementary documentation obtained through provincial Freedom of Information requests, as well as a technical review of the Alberta free-roaming horse management program, prepared by expert consultant biologist Wayne McCrory. They also conducted site visits to observe the horses and their habitats.
According to Julie Woodyer, campaign director for Zoocheck, “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.”