Wildlife charges laid in undercover investigation on Baie Verte Peninsula

Conservation officers with the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods recently laid a total of 35 charges under the Wildlife Act against 10 individuals following an undercover operation carried out on the Baie Verte Peninsula over an eight month period.

The individuals charged are from Middle Arm, Burlington and Rattling Brook, while two others are from Prince Edward Island. Most of the charges are for big game offences, such as illegal possession of big game. Other charges were related to small game, firearm and licensing offences.

The investigation was launched in the summer of 2001 following several complaints made by the public and hunters from the Baie Verte Peninsula regarding alleged wildlife offences. Three individuals have already entered guilty pleas; the remaining seven will appear in provincial court at Baie Verte on June 6. The investigation is still ongoing.

Media contact:

          Sonia B. Glover, Communications Director, (709) 729-6183

Jim Maloney, Regional Compliance Manager, (709) 637-2918 or (709) 632-0198

2002 05 28                              1:30 p.m.