More than 1,000 wildlife related charges laid in 2014

[Peter Emberley]

The number of charges laid by Fish and Wildlife Enforcement enforcement officers increased in 2014 over 2013, with nearly 1,200 violations noted.

According to the Department of Justice and Public Safety, the offences ranged from "fishing and hunting violations to the unsafe use of firearms and improper use of all-terrain vehicles."

The number of charges laid in 2014 was an increase of 36 per cent from the previous year.

The department is crediting the public, in part, for the hike in the number of offences.

"The public also played an important role in helping officers carry out the division’s mandate by reporting suspicious activity," a statement released on Monday read. "Last year, 625 complaints were received."

It was also noted that wildlife officers were able spend more time investigating and carrying out field work this year, due to the implementation of mobile work stations.

CBC NEWS

[Kevin]

It is good to hear that wildlife officers are out there doing something. It keeps us all mindful of our responsibility to the land and the animals we hunt. 

[Peter Emberley]

Yes for sure. A big problem Wildlife are having now, are the use of coyote rifles for moose poaching. Something needs to be addressed on this issue.