The B.C. government is recommending a fine against those responsible for the deaths of more than a dozen cattle last fall, but the Ministry of Environment and Parks won’t say who, exactly, investigators believe is to blame for poisoning at least 13 cattle in the province’s Interior.

The incident prompted public outcry last October after photos of dead cows began circulating on social media. The cattle, which belonged to a rancher with a grazing tenure in the Quesnel area, were believed to have been poisoned when they consumed nitrogen fertilizer meant to accelerate timber growth.

B.C.’s Ministry of Forests told The Tyee that laboratory analyses of the fertilizer and animal tissues are still being completed.

“Until results are known, we are strengthening cleanup protocols, retraining crews, and reviewing all field handling and safety procedures to prevent any future incidents,” a spokesperson wrote.

Meanwhile, the Environment Ministry said its investigation under the Environmental Management Act has concluded with investigators recommending an administrative penalty — a fine imposed on a person or business alleged to have violated a regulatory requirement.