An investigation into a wild horse that had allegedly been killed by a human in the Yukon’s Ibex Valley has turned up no evidence of human involvement or violation of the animal protection law.
The wild stallion is known as Scout by those who keep an eye on the herd in the valley.
An animal protection and control officer attended the site after receiving a report of possible human involvement in the animal’s death, according to a Facebook post by the Government of Yukon.
Using statements, aerial images and a site inspection, they found no proof that a human was involved in the death.
“Heavily compacted” wolf tracks were found around the location of the horse. The animal’s remains showed signs that predators had been feeding on it.
Given the state of the remains, the cause of death is “impossible” to identify, per the post.
The post notes the landowner cooperated throughout the investigation.
Interested Yukoners who observe the movements of the wild horse herd and post about it to the Yukon Wild Horses Facebook group expressed skepticism about the government's findings.
Aud Fischer, an administrator of the group, posted on Feb. 16 noting that 16 days passed between Scout's death and the on-site investigation by Yukon government officers.
"Since animal deaths are not given near as much attention as human deaths, the investigation was minimal, the only conclusion that could be reached was inconclusive," Fischer writes.
Fischer also states that horses were shot near where Scout was found in 2023.
In searching for a silver lining in the situation, Fischer describes an open dialogue that the situation has created with the territorial government.
"We will need to work with government to create a humane management plan for the horses. I don’t think all this would have happened without your letter writing campaign. It made government wake up and take us seriously. This makes the future look much more hopeful for the horses," Fischer writes.
— With files from Jim Elliot
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
