Man pays stiff fine for shooting coyote

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

************************* $1,000 fine for shooting a coyote without a licence

March 12, 2009 - An Ottawa man has been fined $1,000 for shooting a coyote without a licence and abandoning it.

Charles P. Stewart, 65, of Kanata, pleaded guilty and was fined $500 for shooting a coyote without a licence and $500 for abandoning the coyote’s pelt contrary.

The court was told that on either November 1 or 2, 2008, Stewart was looking over fields for deer when he saw a coyote and shot it.

After he realized he needed a tag to seal the animal, which he did not have, Stewart arranged to have it disposed.

Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, it is an offence to abandon the pelt of a fur-bearing mammal or allow the pelt to spoil.

Justice of the Peace Monique Seguin heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sault Ste. Marie, on March 5, 2009.

To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours.

You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

*************************