From the Government of Ontario:
The Ontario government is safeguarding black bear populations by ensuring people do not possess prohibited parts.
Hoa Phan of Gravenhurst pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing three black bear gallbladders and was fined $6,500.
The court heard that Phan became the subject of an investigation after conservation officers contacted him near the town of Gravenhurst in possession of what appeared to be three black bear gallbladders. Forensic analysis confirmed all three gallbladders originated from black bears. The Intelligence and Investigations Services unit, a veterinary pathologist with the University of Guelph and the DNA Profiling and Forensic Center at Trent University assisted in the case.
Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act it is illegal for a person to possess a black bear gall bladder that has been removed from the bear’s carcass.
Justice of the Peace Margot Ballagh heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Bracebridge, on May 30, 2024.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.
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How much did it cost to have two universities and a special investigations unit involved? Will a fine of $6500 cover the cost?
Law is too lax according to our great Conservation officers who police this. Slap on the hand and the poachers and traffickers go back at it. A stiff prison sentence and vehicle seizure is needed according to those officers.
How about doing something Graydon Smith, our Minister of Natural Resources?
The Ontario government (Ministry of Natural Resources) is NOT safeguarding our black bear populations as is claimed. They reinstated the spring bear hunt where bears are lured by food prior to the hunt (a danger to everyone) and innocent bear cubs are left orphaned.
Penalties in Ontario for illegal hunting and trafficking in wildlife and organs are a joke especially compared to other jurisdictions where jail terms are a real deterrent.. The small monetary penalties are a ‘cost of doing business.’ to the perpetrators. The Conservation officers I know are frustrated by this.