KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK Sunday, February 1, 2004

"Animals need help"

Editor:

This is to the Kamloops Indian Band, the SPCA and the general public.

It is with great sadness I pen this letter regarding the cattle and horses that have been left to fend for themselves on the reserve between the Yellowhead Highway and Paul Lake, especially in and around Scheidam Flats.

Nov. 18 was the first heavy snowfall that covered the ground. The next day it snowed again and I observed all the cattle trying to reach through the wire fence and nibble at the sagebrush. On the other side of the road were more cattle standing idle, not knowing what to eat.

Further down the road was a black bull on the outside of the barbwire fence, pushing it over to get to the snow-covered brush. I watched as the bull crashed through the fence to find nothing to eat. That was Wednesday, Nov. 19.

On the Friday, the black bull was over by the intersection of the Yellowhead Highway and Mt. Paul Way searching for food in the snow. An animal this size needs lot of feed, especially in –10 C weather.

The cattle on Scheidam Flats were also with young calves. There is also a large herd of "painted" horses, also with foals that are trying to survive.

I phoned the KIB and was rudely told the "range manager" was busy and not able to talk to me. I phoned the SPCA. They said they would investigate. They did and told me they would keep a close eye on the animals, but stated they would have to work with the band. What a joke! These poor animals are starving slowly.

Is the Kamloops Indian Band that bad off that they can’t feed and look after their animals? Something needs to be done immediately."

Sean Elperro

Kamloops