Fort St. John RCMP are investigating two incidences of livestock being mutilated.
On September 22, the Fort St John RCMP received a report of a bull that was found dead, missing its genitals. It is unknown when the bull had died, but significant time had passed before it was reported.
On October 1, the Fort St John RCMP received a report of a horse that was found dead, also missing its genitals.
In both instances, the RCMP attended to investigate but were unable to determine a cause of death. There is no indication they died due to predators and it is unclear whether the two events are related but both are considered suspicious in nature. The BC RCMP Livestock Section has been contacted for consultation.
“Reports of this nature are not common place and are taken very seriously by the RCMP
,” said Constable Chad Neustaeter. “Losing an animal in this way can be very traumatizing to the owners and our local farming community.”
Here are a few steps that can be implemented in order to assist local animal producers in protecting their livestock:
- Check that your fences and gates are intact and properly secure your property and animals,
- Check your livestock regularly – ensure all your livestock are accounted for on a regular basis,
- If/when you are able, secure your livestock in a safe location, in a barn or corrals, close to your farm property, especially at night,
- If you have a dog and you hear it bark, check to see if there is anything suspicious outside, and report to police accordingly,
- If you find an animal that may have died under suspicious circumstances, report to police as soon as you are able,
- Talk to your neighbours and compare notes on any suspicious vehicles in the area, and report accordingly,
- If you have a specific area of concern, consider using hunter/wildlife cams that might provide photo or video surveillance in the event someone enters your property,
- Don’t take matters into your own hands, rather call police to deal with any have suspicious persons that do not have permission to access your property.
The Fort St John RCMP continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information in this matter to contact the Fort St John RCMP at 250-787-8100. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.crimestoppersnebc.ca.