February 19, 2014
Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers Make Seizure
The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division (FWED) of the Department of Justice continues to actively enforce provincial legislation with regards to the illegal hunting of caribou in Labrador.
On Thursday, February 13, officers followed up on a tip that two individuals allegedly had illegal caribou in their komatik. With the assistance of the RCMP, officers initiated an investigation of the area between Postville and North West River by helicopter surveillance. As a result, two adult male residents of Sheshatshiu were stopped and a subsequent search resulted in the seizure of caribou and a shotgun. The investigation into this incident continues and charges may be laid.
Due to the continuing decline of the George River caribou herd, the Provincial Government initiated a ban on all caribou hunting in Labrador for conservation purposes. The ban has been in place since January 28, 2013, and will last for a period of five years, with a review after two years. Working closely with the province’s police forces and the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division continues to monitor and enforce the ban.
The public plays a significant role in catching poachers by anonymously reporting suspicious activity 24-hours a day, toll-free to either Fish and Wildlife Enforcement at 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or. 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 02 19 10:15 a.m.