Justice
January 22, 2014

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Lay Charges
Related to Allegations of Illegal Caribou Hunting

Charges have been laid by officers of the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division of the Department of Justice related to allegations of illegal hunting of caribou that took place in Labrador in March 2013.

On January 28, 2013, the Provincial Government announced a hunting ban on all caribou in Labrador for a five-year period for conservation purposes. Shortly after the ban was announced Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers with assistance from the RCMP, RNC and the Criminal Intelligence Service Newfoundland and Labrador (CISNL), conducted an investigation into allegations that individuals were violating that ban in the Shipiskan Lake region.

Following a lengthy investigation, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers charged 12 individuals with violations under the Wild Life Act. One corporation has also been charged.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division wishes to advise the public that officers will continue to monitor and enforce the caribou hunting moratorium in Labrador.

The public can play an important role in catching poachers by anonymously reporting suspected poaching activity 24-hours a day, toll-free to either Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or Fish and Wildlife Enforcement at 1-877-820-0999. Anonymous online reports can also be submitted at www.stoppoaching.ca or www.nlcrimestoppers.com.

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Media contact:

Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2014 01 22                          2:30 p.m.