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VANCOUVER – The Remains of 14 eagles have been found in North Vancouver and the Province has responded by offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
The remains were found in the same general location as those of 26 eagles, discovered Feb. 2, 2005. As in the previous case, the talons and tail feathers had been removed. The latest discovery came as a result of a tip from a member of the public.
The
Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection is offering a reward of $5,000,
bringing the total reward now available to $10,000. The District of North
Vancouver, the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and the Humane Society of Canada had
made previous commitments of $2,000, $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.
Additionally, the B.C. Wildlife
Federation offers a standing reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to
the conviction of those found responsible for breaking wildlife laws.
As a result of the initial discovery, the Conservation Officer Service
formed a task force of officers to focus on this issue, and has received
investigative support from the RCMP.
Under the Province’s Wildlife Act, penalties for poaching or trafficking
in eagle parts can be as high as $50,000 for a first offence. Under federal
legislation for illegal export, penalties under the Wild Animal and Plant
Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act can be
as high as $150,000 and accompany up to five years of jail time.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Conservation Officer Service at 1-800-663-WILD (9453). Calls to this number are toll-free and confidential.
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Attention assignment editors: a conservation officer will be available to media at 3 p.m. today at 10470 152 Street, Surrey.
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Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection 250 953-4577 |
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Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
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