CALGARY – An Alberta auctioneer is taking steps to save some of the province’s wild horses from the slaughterhouse.

Captured in the Ghost River area west of Calgary, 19 are in the care of rescuers, and 14 were left to be auctioned off. But now, all 33 horses will be given a new lease on life.

“None of these horses are to go for slaughter as far as we’re concerned at the Innisfail Auction Market here today,” said Danny Daines.

It’s a relief to Wild Horses of Alberta Society’s Bob Henderson, who is caring for some of the horses at a rescue ranch near Sundre.

“I’ve got to admit, the government of Alberta, the ESRD has gone out of their way to try to make it better…you know, compared to the past,” said Henderson.

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The Innisfail Auction happens on Saturday, but officials say the wild horses will only be sold to ranchers and farmers. Any potential buyers from the meat market will be asked to leave.

One of the 19 wild horses rescued after being rounded up in the Ghost Zone in the care of the Wild Horses of Alberta Society Feb. 25, 2015. Stefan Keyes / Global News

With files from Erika Tucker