Saskatchewan animal welfare officials are investigating the condition of a bison herd on an Indian reserve in northwestern Saskatchewan.
Area residents say at least 50 animals have died over the past few months in the herd owned by two native bands.
They also say animal health officials have been slow to react to their complaints, which date back to January.
“We want them to do something about this right now,” said band member Jones Thomas, who lives at Leoville, near the Pelican Lake Reserve.
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Thomas, who called the Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in January and again in early July about the situation, said the condition of the animals was grim.
He said that after the initial call in January some feed was brought in and the situation seemed to improve somewhat, but by July it had gotten bad again.
“Some of them are very weak and look like they’re going to die,” he said. “They’re scrawny. It was really pitiful.”
An SPCA official said last week the case is being investigated but declined to provide details.
“We are having the animals assessed and once that takes place we’ll know further what needs to happen,” said executive director Frances Wach. “We need to determine what the problem is and develop a plan of action.”
As of last week, an animal inspection officer was conducting an on-site inspection with the assistance of an outside veterinarian familiar with buffalo.
The RCMP have also been brought in to help determine whether any criminal charges are warranted.
Wach said that last year the Saskatchewan SPCA received 490 complaints about inhumane treatment of animals. In fewer than three percent of the cases action was taken such as seizure of the animals or charges laid.
“Our first option is always to educate and work with the owner or caregiver,” she said. “In this case we can’t yet say.”
The herd was established as Spruce Creek Bison Ranch in November 2001 as a joint venture between two area bands. Officials involved in the management of the herd could not be reached for comment.
Thomas said the incident is not only tragic for the loss of the animals, but also because it happened in a herd of buffalo owned by natives.
“It’s embarrassing for the first nations because the buffalo is sacred to our people,” he said, adding that band elders are upset by what has happened.
