Released on November 29, 2016
Every year, the public makes more than 1,000 calls to the Ministry of Environment’s Turn In Poachers (TIP) line.Since 2015, provincial courts have issued almost $151,000 in fines related to a variety of serious illegal hunting, fishing and environmental offences. Calls to the TIP line, or to ministry field offices, play a significant role solving these cases.
“The public’s assistance in solving crimes related to the protection and preservation of our natural resources has been invaluable,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said. ”The 24 hour anonymous TIP line allows the public to report resource-related criminal activity as it is happening, or provide crucial information to help ministry conservation officers solve these cases.”
Callers whose information leads to a conviction can receive rewards of up to $2,000 through the SASKTIP Rewards Program.
“Saskatchewan residents should know that TIP is available for calls about environmental polluters and illegal dumping in addition to poaching,” Moe said. “Our conservation officers provide thousands of warnings each year to help educate the public on a range of environmental issues.”
If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for SaskTel cellular subscribers. Violations can also be reported online at www.saskatchewan.ca/tip.
Ministry of Environment approximate annual enforcement statistics averaged over five years (includes environmental, wildlife, fisheries, and forestry related violations):
- 1,200 prosecutions per year
- 2,100 written warnings per year
- 3,500 verbal warnings per year
For more information, contact:
Jamie Gibson
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3900
Email: jamie.gibson@gov.sk.ca