The shooting of a foal near McLean Creek Trail in Kananaskis Country is under investigation by the Cochrane RCMP. The injured baby horse was discovered on May 23 and was found to have been shot. Kananaskis Emergency Services euthanized the foal shortly after its discovery. The area where the foal was found is designated as a firearm use restriction zone, prohibiting shooting within one kilometer of the road. Wildlife photographer Patti Miyazaki, who was closely following the herd to which the foal belonged, expressed her grief over the loss, noting she had anticipated documenting the foal’s growth. Alberta Fish and Wildlife is not involved in the investigation since the shooting pertains to the management of feral horses, which are not protected under the Wildlife Act.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding the management of feral horse populations in Alberta, where the government considers these animals as feral rather than wildlife. This designation means they are not protected under the Wildlife Act, and their management falls under the Stray Animals Act. The Alberta government has identified the horse population in certain zones as reaching “unacceptable” levels, prompting strategies for population control, including removal and adoption. The shooting of the foal underscores the challenges faced by advocates and the government in balancing wildlife conservation and population management while addressing public safety concerns in recreational areas.
