A Vernon man says something needs to be done after he came across an illegal animal dumping site in Coldstream.
Lance Teichroeb found three deer carcasses piled on top of bones and other animal waste about two kilometres up King Edward Forest Service Road and over a bank on Monday, June 23.
"It's not the dump, it's not the place to dump animals," Teichroeb told The Morning Star Wednesday. "There's got to be at least 10 sets of bones there. It's just disgusting."
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) told The Morning Star it is aware of the site having received a report. It confirmed the site is illegal and has been a problem for years.
"This site had been used regularly over the years by the public to dump hunter waste and roadkill or found dead wildlife carcasses," the COS said.
It said the injuries to the most recent deer carcasses indicate they were roadkill, and added dumping waste is unlawful under the Environment Management Act.
"Dumping found dead wildlife carcasses or hunter butcher waste should be done in more remote areas where it will not create conflict," the COS said.
Teichroeb said the carcasses need to be dealt with as they could attract predators, which could then interact with people or nearby cattle.
He added that if the carcasses are roadkill, the road contractor might be "trying to save a dollar because there's a fee at the dump."
Animal carcasses are considered an attractant under B.C.'s Wildlife Act, which prohibits leaving attractants in areas where there are or could be people, and in a manner that could attract dangerous wildlife. Anyone who unlawfully leaves an animal carcass in such an area can be fined up to $50,000 or face a prison term of up to six months.
"I'm just outraged that this is even happening," Teichroeb said of the illegal dumping site.
The COS said the illegal dumping site is on Coldstream Ranch private property. Speaking to The Morning Star, Coldstream Ranch general manager Brad McKim said the ranch is uncertain if the dumping site is in fact on ranch property, and declined to offer further comment until that can be determined.
The property owner is responsible for removing illegal waste, according to COS.
Illegal dumping can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line, 1-877-952-7277.
