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May 28, 2009

Investigation Into Illegal Swan Killingleads To Prosecution Under The Migratory Birds Convention Act And The Criminal Code Of Canada

Donald Hughes of Courtenay, British Columbia was sentenced to serve an eight month Conditional Sentence after pleading guilty to two counts under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 related to the illegal killing of swans, as well as three counts under the Criminal Code of Canada for illegally storing and transporting firearms as well as possessing a prohibited firearm. As a part of his sentence, Mr. Hughes is prohibited, by court order, from possessing any firearms or ammunition for a period of 10 years.

The sentence followed an investigation by Environment Canada, the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police which established that in December of 2006, Mr. Hughes had illegally shot several swans contrary to theMigratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 over a period of four days.