A wild horse advisory continues to be active along Highways 97 and 3A outside Penticton, as the Penticton Indian Band reminds locals that the horses do not belong to the band.
The PIB issued a news release on Jan. 7 to reiterate that the free-roaming horses belong to individual members of the band, not the band as an organization.
“We recognize that the issue of free-roaming feral horses has been a contentious and frustrating topic for many years and recognize that the horses not only cause damage to properties but creates a serious safety threat along the roadways and highways,” reads the release. “The Penticton Band Administration have been receiving complaint calls from our own community members expressing their same concerns and frustration.”
READ MORE: Watch out for wild horses on Highway 97 between Summerland and Penticton
The PIB has reached out to the owners to remind them of their responsibilities regarding the horses, but noted that issues such as snow filling cattleguards and fences and barriers continuing to be damaged and cut for illegal off-roading are contributing to the problem.
In addition, the PIB is investigating claims that there are horses on reserve lands that have been illegally turned loose by non-band members.
The band is planning to bring forward a new bylaw that would further address the horses in the next few months.
We currently have a draft Animal Control and Range Use By-Law which we hope to bring forward to the community early in this new year. In the meantime we will continue to reach out and contact the owners when calls or complaints are received.
“We currently have a draft Animal Control and Range Use By-Law which we hope to bring forward to the community early in this new year. In the meantime we will continue to reach out and contact the owners when calls or complaints are received,” said PIB administration.
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