An Edmonton attorney is under public scrutiny for abandoning two horses on a snow-covered mountain in McBride, a town west of Jasper, last September. The animals survived, though they were in rough shape when a group of volunteers rescued them recently.

In an interview with the Fitzhugh on the weekend, owner of the horses Frank Mackay was remorseless and said he did all he could to either rescue the horses or put them down.

The horses belonged to him, so part of his argument was that he should be free to do what he’d like with them.  However, the SPCA has stepped in, and he may face criminal charges.

Whose responsibility are animals? Mackay said that after his attempts to rescue the horses failed, he decided to let nature take its course.

Unfortunately, it’s too late for that. Humans stepped in long ago, fencing and caging animals as our belongings and bringing them into our homes as pets.

People who suddenly decide they no longer want to care for an animal must act responsibly and in the creature’s best interest. Many animals have come to depend on people like a child does its mother, and abandoning that charge is unjust.

To say nature will take its course is just not true, and that’s something people changed long ago. 

Another interesting aspect of this story is the language Mackay used during his interview with the Fitzhugh. Every second word was an expletive, though he was aware the conversation was being recorded. Mackay clearly stated that he’s not interested in what the public – or the media – thinks of him. 

Often, when subjects of public criticism are contacted by news outlets, they polish themselves up to present a compelling version of their side of the story as a way to incite sympathy.

Though his manner was unbecoming, it’s difficult not to appreciate Mackay’s candour. Whether people agree with his actions or not, his forthrightness makes it easier to believe what he said, or at least that he believes what he said.

Would anyone have believed him had he sobbed and pleaded to have his horses returned? 

Will public perception have an effect on the outcome of this story, and should it? As a successful lawyer, is it possible Mackay played up his persona, to give the impression he’s a confused and frustrated hillbilly?

Savvy media consumers take their information with a grain of salt, but if everyone was as candid as Mackay the possibility might grow for not only more reports of truth, but also some entertainment. 

Public opinion will likely remain divided as this story continues, but it’s difficult for anyone – even those of us who aren’t “horse people” – not to feel sorry for those creatures that were stranded out there in the snow.