Illegal fence-cutting plagues Penticton Indian Band efforts to control free-roaming horses

Photo: Penticton Indian Band

The Penticton Indian Band is still dealing with issues of deliberately cut fences in areas designated for control of free-roaming horses, nearly a year after the band discovered a pattern of such activity.

In early January 2022, the band expressed its concern over the horses, which had been increasingly spotted on highways and roadways. They made it clear at that time that the horses are not owned by the band, but by band members, and they were working on solutions to keep not only the animals but the community safe.

Throughout that month and into February, the pattern of cut fences was discovered. It stretches back into 2021.

Now, the PIB is still committed to a collaborative resolution of issues associated with the free-roaming horses, including ending up on roadways, and are working with the Ministry of Transportation and AIM Roads to ensure cattle guards and other points of access are in good shape.

But the PIB Guardians program and AIM Roads representatives are still finding evidence of deliberately cut fencing on reserve land.

"These illegal acts have been ongoing through 2021-2022 and create significant challenges with respect to the control of free-roaming horses," PIB Chief and council said in a news release issued Friday.

"This is a criminal act which the Penticton Indian Band First Nations RCMP are pursuing. These reckless and senseless activities put the public and the horses at unnecessary and unacceptable risk."

Remote cameras have been installed and patrols increased. Anyone caught can expect to face charges.

Anyone who has witnessed the activity or who has information on those responsible is asked to contact PIB lands manager Joan Phillip at 250-493-0048.