Released on April 3, 2006
A Rosetown resident was recently convicted of three charges under The Wildlife Act (Saskatchewan) in Provincial Court in Rosetown and fined a total of $5,000. The court also suspended the habitual offender's hunting privileges for three years and issued an innovative probation order to encourage the violator's rehabilitation.Convictions included illegally chasing wildlife with a vehicle, discharging a firearm from a vehicle and unlawful possession of wildlife.
"What is significant about this particular case is the innovative probation order that accompanied the fines and other penalties," Saskatchewan Environment Conservation Officer Doug Lucyshyn said. "In this instance, the court decided to try a different approach that could increase the likelihood of successful rehabilitation."
For the next three years the offender will be required to: inform the local conservation officer of a change of address; carry a global positioning unit any time when involved in outdoor activities off a numbered highway; report any wildlife in possession to the local conservation officer within 24 hours; and submit to spot searches for wildlife. The offender is also required to complete a firearm safety course and make a $500 contribution to the SaskTip program.
"The offender in this case had a lengthy history of Wildlife Act infractions and, hopefully, these conditions will reduce the chances of offending again," Lucyshyn said.
Lucyshyn urged anyone who is aware of or suspects wildlife, fisheries or environmental violations to report them to the nearest Saskatchewan Environment office or to call the province's toll-free Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-667-7561.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| John Cook Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306) 953-2691 |