Update Nov. 16, 2021 - I have heard from a few citizens that the horses are back in the area. At this time, all we can do is report the horse activity to the PIB Band Manger at 250-493-0048 or email at jjohnson@pib.ca. I'll keep you posted here with any new information when available.
Thank you,
Riley
Jan. 4, 2021
Over the holidays, I came across about 15 horses in the gravel parking lot at West Bench Elementary. It was the first time, in a long time, that I have seen more than four or five horses at once. It is also the first time I have seen them in the lower West Bench in years. The snowfall, most likely, made food more difficult to come by higher up.
Most of BC (Greater West Bench included) is overlaid by BC Range Law, which means you must fence out what you do not want in. Under the Local Government Act, regional districts cannot ‘impound’ livestock or horses without legislation and proof of infrastructure that can adequately house and maintain impounded animals.
Therefore the best action at this point is to report free-roaming horse activity (especially if it is destructive) to the PIB Band office at 250- 493-0048. Ask that the complaint be forwarded to the Band Manager.
Once Chief Gabriel and the newly elected PIB councillors have had a chance to settle into their new roles, my hope is to work more closely with our neighbours on shared priorities. I will, of course, keep you all posted here.
Thank you for reading and please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Riley
250-488-0246
rgettens@rdos.bc.ca