|
Wildlife protection officers from the ministère des Ressources naturelles, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec (MRNFP) put an end to illegal hunting and fishing practices by individuals active in Abitibi and in the James Bay region as well as in Nunavik in Nord-du-Québec. The alleged acts of poaching involved caribou, moose, lake trout and brook charr, as well as black bear gall bladders.
Wildlife protection services from Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Nord-du-Québec, assisted by the Canadian Wildlife Service, conducted several investigations resulting in the search of two homes this morning to gather incriminating objects such as firearms and nets. In all, some forty suspects from the Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Nord-du-Québec and Québec City regions as well as from Ontario will be questioned.
Operation renard blanc
This operation necessitated the mobilization of more than 70 wildlife protection officers who have already identified more than 175 charges. If the suspects are found guilty, they are liable to fines totaling more than $300,000. It is important to point out that the collaboration of the canine team and the biolegal expertise laboratory of the MRNFP made it possible to locate and confirm various incriminating objects during this investigation.
The persons questioned are suspected, among other things, of having hunted moose and caribou outside the hunting season and without a licence, in addition to possibly being charged with the illegal possession, harvesting over the limit, wasting and selling of edible meat. In addition, charges related to the illegal possession, sale and purchase of black bear gall bladders may also be laid. Finally, the individuals will also be charged with fishing out of season, fishing with nets, as well as the illegal possession of brook charr and lake trout.
New elements
Certain elements of the investigation lead us to believe that aside from the persons already questioned, other individuals have been participating in the same type of illegal activities in the regions in question. In the absence of new elements, these persons are likely to continue breaking the law by illegally appropriating our wildlife resources. You can help us solve the pending cases by reporting all acts of poaching or any information that will be useful in this investigation by contacting S.O.S. Poaching hotline at 1 800 463-2191. This service is free and confidential.
|
