Though many residents say they have never seen them, a herd of wild horses has been living off the land just outside of Windsor, Nova Scotia, for more than 20 years. But now with the horses’ longtime caretaker saying he can no longer manage the animals, some are wondering whether it might be best to put the animals down.
The horse herd has lived on a vast tract of undeveloped wilderness near Sweets Corner for more than 20 years. USG Corporation owns the land where the horses roam, which was once the site of Fundy Gypsum. But it’s 75-year-old Ralph Morash who has cared for the animals for decades.
“Animals mean a lot to me, I just have it in my nature,” Morash tells CTV News.
Starting with two domesticated horses, Morash says the herd grew to number as many as 30 animals. These days, there are about 14 horses living hidden among the trees beside the winding Saint Croix River.
But Morash’s passion has become a growing problem. Over the years, the aging senior has not been able to maintain the property and to give the animals the same care he once could. Fencing on the land has fallen into disrepair, allowing the horses to wander off.
The municipality says the landowners have been told to either fix the fences or get rid of the animals.
"We're concerned an adult or child could be trampled to death, or a car could hit a horse on the road and somebody could get killed," says West Hants Warden Richard Dauphinee.
Gary Cochrane, the deputy warden for the area, says he has heard many complaints over the years from neighbours about rogue horses, mostly stallions, that have been kicked out of the herd and ventured beyond the fallen fence line. He says the animals can be dangerous.
"From a distance, you think they're nice-looking horses, but they are still feral horses and very untrustworthy," he says.
Cochrane says he and his neighbours don’t feel comfortable letting their kids play outside. He also worries about disease being passed on to the local livestock and pets.
According to a statement issued by USG Corporation, there have been numerous requests over the years for Morash to move the horses from the land.
The company, which manufactures building materials, recently built a road into the rugged area where the horses roam. That construction is causing concern among local residents who worry about the future of the herd.
Morash admits he is beyond being able to care for the horses and says he needs help to herd them up and relocate them.
Some residents say the best option may be to put the wild animals down -- a prospect that saddens Morash.
“It hurts me deeply. I’m trying to do the best I can,” he says.
With a report from CTV Atlantic’s Marie Adsett
