I'd like to reference the letter entitled “Free-roaming horse contraception program run by skilled volunteers” published in the Aug. 23 issue of the Sundre Round Up. In my previous letter that ran in the Aug. 16 edition, my point was not that the volunteers were unskilled. The intent of me writing was to inform readers that a cull does not always equate to slaughter and, secondly, to recommend that the experimental contraception project be re-examined before it is continued or expanded when complete in 2020.
Worth mentioning, as well, is that since my recent retirement in 2008, with publishing my fifth book and preparing for induction, in 2015, into the Olds College Alumni Hall of Fame, I may not have been aware of Alberta's free-roaming horses apparently becoming an official “wild” species. When I studied genetics “ages ago” as the writer implied, the Przewalski (Equus Przewalski) was the only horse subspecies qualifying for a true wild designation in the world, due to its genetic makeup of 66 chromosomes.
All domestic horses, including Alberta's free-roaming animals (Equus caballus) living a semi-wild existence, have 64, deeming them non-wild in law and in fact. I have been studying and researching this subject for 25 years since my involvement with the CFB Suffield roundup and adoption. The writer did allude to this fact, somewhat, in the negative admission of me being an advisor at Suffield. I'm not sure why this project is frequently the victim of narrow-minded interpretation. I have a very detailed and well-written account of this unique endeavour that I would be glad to loan to people who are not aware of the lengthy preparation and effort that contributed to its success.
In closing, I'd like to finish with a brief quote, as did the previous contributor in the Aug. 23 letter. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), of which Canada is a signatory member, has a position statement on Introductions, Re-introductions and Restocking.
“The Union strongly advises against the maintenance of exotic species in natural ecosystems.”
Murray Bates,
Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer (Ret.)
Bearberry
