RCMP say they’re investigating the death of several feral horses on Crown land, about 65 km west of Kamloops.

In a news release, the Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP says it was called to the area, north of Walhachin, last Friday, March 10, where they found 17 horses that had recently been shot and killed.

“The RCMP’s Forensic Identification Section carefully examined the scene, along with a veterinarian, and a BC RCMP Livestock Investigator,” RCMP Cpl. James Grandy said.

“The motive behind this disheartening act cannot be confirmed at this point. However, investigators will continue to collect and examine everything available.”

Grandy says these horses – which are known to frequent this area – are of cultural significance to the Skeetchestn Band.

If you have any information, Grandy says to contact the RCMP’s Livestock Section at 250-299-7462, or by email.