“There were two separate areas, one with six and the other with about 11, and they were spread out over quite a distance individually. They weren’t in a group. Whoever did this definitely took the time to track them or follow them one-by-one and shoot them,” said Lepine.
RCMP investigators from the force’s Forensic Identification Section were joined by a livestock investigator and a veterinarian in probing the scene this past weekend.
“I’ve been to other situations, neglect-type situations where the numbers were high, but as far as out on the range, a random animal, this is definitely the largest. We do have range animals. Most of the time it’s cows that are shot for no apparent reason. But this is definitely very troubling”
The 17 wild horses did have cultural significance to the Skeetchestn First Nation band, but the band declined to comment to CFJC Today. The RCMP is working with the band on the investigation.
UPDATE: Late in the day, the Skeetchestn Band provided CFJC Today with this statement:
