B.C. GOVERNMENT TURNS BLIND EYE ON ILLEGAL WOLF KILL CONTEST
by Pacific Wild
Wildlife conservation group contends that it is a criminal offence for contest to pay hunters to kill wolves
DENNY ISLAND, BC - Lawyers from West Coast Environmental Law, on behalf of Pacific Wild, have informed the BC government that a wolf kill contest, currently underway in northern BC, is in violation of the Criminal Code of Canada.
"British Columbians should be furious that our government continues to allow wolves to be killed for money, prizes and other illegal lottery schemes when it is clearly against the law to hold a contest of this nature." said Ian McAllister of the B.C.-based wildlife conservation group Pacific Wild.
On Nov 15, 2012 the Peace Rod and Gun Club, local Fort St. John ReMax realtor Rich Peterson, Raven Oilfield and others announced they were sponsoring a contest with prize money of $1000.00 for the largest wolf killed and $150.00 for the smallest wolf killed with a maximum of three dead wolves per contestant.
On Nov 21st, 2012 after learning of this contest, Pacific Wild formally filed a complaint with BC Gaming expressing concern that this contest was being held without a legal permit citing ethical, legal and wildlife management concerns. On November 23rd, BC Gaming investigator Barry Henetiuk responded that the contest was legal and recommended Pacific Wild seek a further legal opinion.
The West Coast Environmental Law opinion examines whether the Wolf Kill contest, as structured, violates the sections of the Criminal Code of Canada dealing with "lottery schemes." It concludes that as structured, the Contest appears to be a lottery scheme, and would require a licence from the provincial government in order to be legal. West Coast Environmental Law's lawyers also expressed concern that the contest could undermine responsible management of wildlife.
"How many wolves will be killed because of this illegal contest and a BC government that supports this back door policy of wolf culling?" McAllister further stated. "Who is going to be accountable for the illegal killing of these wolves?" "Should it be the contest sponsors, the participants, BC Gaming or Minister Rich Coleman who is ultimately responsible for gaming in BC – or all the above?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 17, 2012
For more information contact:
Ian McAllister
email: ian@pacificwild.org
link: Legal Opinion and Wolf kill contest poster link:
www.pacificwild.org <http://www.pacificwild.org>\
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