Feral Hoses Legislation:
...And although shooting or hunting a horse is illegal under section 444 of the Criminal Code – which groups them with cattle, pig, sheep and goats, with a penalty for harming or killing them being a possible jail term of a maximum of five years – the rules don’t go far enough, say wild horse advocates.
The Criminal Code of Canada
Sections 444 to 447 of the Criminal Code of Canada refer to offences against domesticated animals. These charges may be laid by police officers in addition to charges under the Animal Protection Act
Section 444 makes it an indictable offence to willfully kill, injure or endanger cattle. The definition for cattle includes any cow, horse, mule, ass, pig, sheep or goat. If found guilty, the accused is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
Section 445 describes the offence of injuring or endangering animals other than cattle. This section is designed to protect domesticated animals (dogs, cats, etc.).
Section 446 makes it an offense to not provide suitable and adequate food, water, shelter and care. It also states that it is an offence to abandon, neglect or willfully cause pain, suffering or injury to an animal or bird.
Section 447 prohibits any activity that encourages, aids or assists in the fighting or baiting of animals (e.g. dog fights and cockfights).
Sections 445 to 447 are summary or indictable offences which have a maximum sentence of a $10,000 fine, a five year prison term, or a combination of both.
So lets see. a "wild horse" is a "native animal" a symbol of the wild and free west, or is it actually a "domesticated animal" or "cattle" if one wants to protect it.
I really didn't follow the situation around the horses that were shot and the fellows from Sundre? and Mountain Aire? were charged. What were they charged with? Anybody know?
