For immediate release: November 5, 2009

Protecting Saskatchewan’s wild poniesSaskatchewan’s wild horses face extinction without immediate protection

The Protection of the Wild Ponies of the Bronson Forest Act was given first reading today in the Saskatchewan legislature. The private members bill protecting the wild horses that live in the Bron-son Forest, north of Paradise Hill, was introduced by Lloydminster MLA Tim McMillan.

“If we don’t do something now, the wild ponies of the Bronson Forest will disappear before our very eyes. As a rancher and proud Saskatchewan resident, I believe we should act to protect this impor-tant part of our province’s heritage,” said McMillan. ”This legislation allows our government to take im-mediate action to protect these wild creatures so they can remain a valuable and living piece of Saskatchewan’s past, present and future.”

In part, Bill No. 606 motion reads:

The wild ponies of the Bronson Forest are hereby protected. No person shall in any way willfully mo-lest, interfere with, hurt, capture or kill any of the wild ponies of the Bronson Forest.

In 2005, it was estimated there were roughly 125 wild ponies living in the Bronson Forest. Today they number only 37, comprised of three bands of horses: two of 14 and one of 4, in addition to 5 stallions that roam in pairs or singly throughout the forest.

With only a 24 per cent survival rate among colts, these magnificent animals face extinction unless ac-tion is taken now.

The Protection of the Wild Ponies of the Bronson Forest Act will be debated next week in the Legisla-ture and then put to a vote.

“Under our new protection, it is my hope that soon Saskatchewan’s wild horses will no longer be at risk,” said McMillan. “We want these magnificent creatures to thrive again and be a part of Saskatchewan’s bright future.”

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For more information, contact Steve Rennick or Lisa Mrazek, Saskatchewan Party caucus office, 787-4300.