Dear editor,
I would like to draw attention to a serious safety concern on Highway 1A west of Cochrane.
Inadequate and poorly maintained fencing is causing horses to access the roadway, which has no doubt resulted in collisions. Having been a long time resident in the area, this issue is nothing new. However, having witnessed a very near miss recently, I feel compelled to share my thoughts.
My concern is that it will result in someones, entirely preventable, death. At best, the property damage and resulting devaluation of your vehicle (insurance claim) may not be the fault of the driver.
In reporting the issue, I learned the RCMP is using resources to corral these animals, frequently, as a temporary measure. When I called (the RCMP) about my concern, while parked behind a dark-coloured, mature mare 800-plus pounds, I was told these horses are feral and are regarded like deer. A mature deer weighs over 140 pounds. In terms of energy transfer, there is no comparison between these animals in the event of a collision.
The owners of these animals need to be put on notice regarding their financial responsibility in the event of a collision. Our neighbours to the west need to be held accountable for their animals.
I would suggest that police would be well within their rights to euthanize loose animals in the absence of an owner – as unpopular and preventable as that may be.
S. Gallant
Bearspaw
