WHITEHORSE, YT – Some residents of the Ibex Valley are raising concerns about the apparent shooting death of a wild Stallion on private land in recent weeks, rallying under the banner of #justiceforscout.
In late January, members of the Yukon Wild Horses social media group had drawn attention to the disappearance of a young Stallion named Scout. Then, just days later, a Stallion matching Scout’s description was found dead in a field on private land in the Ibex Valley, which group members say is near the same area where two other wild horses had been killed in the fall of 2023.
Yukon Conservation Officer Services have confirmed that they are aware of the reports, and are supporting an investigation that’s being led by the Animal Protection and Control Officer of the Agriculture Branch, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. They’ve also confirmed that the new Animal Protection and Control Act, which came into effect in 2024, applies to all horses across the Yukon. The Act prohibits the capture or killing of feral animals, including horses, without permission.
The Yukon Government’s Cabinet Communications team have also confirmed that Premier Ranj Pillai, Minister of Environment Nils Clarke, and Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Stricker have each recieved correspondence from concerned citizens about the matter.
In a statement, Cabinet Communications confirmed that the Yukon Government is taking the matter seriously, and encouraged anyone with information to reach out to the Agriculture Branch at 867-667-5838 or email agriculture-livestock@yukon.ca.
“We understand the importance of wild horses to many Yukoners and are committed to protecting animals through the new Animal Protection and Control Act, which prohibits abuse or killing. Authorities from the Agriculture Branch and the Department of Environment are investigating the recent reports of a dead horse in Ibex Valley, and we encourage anyone with information to contact the Agriculture Branch at 867-667-5838 or email agriculture-livestock@yukon.ca.” – Laura Seeley, Yukon Government Senior Communications Advisor
