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Saskatchewan Business Fined For Selling Wild Meat Products and Trafficking in Wildlife

WATROUS, Sask. -- June 1st 2010 -- A joint three-year investigation by Environment Canada and Saskatchewan Environment has ended with an individual pleading guilty in a Saskatchewan Provincial court to one charge under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, for the prohibited sale of migratory birds and one charge under the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act which prohibits the possession of wildlife for the purpose of trafficking.

Laurie Deneiko, owner of Model Meats (2004) Inc., pleaded guilty to one count of selling meat products containing migratory birds and one count of trafficking in wildlife and was fined a total of $9200.

The fine of $5000 for the federal charge has been directed to the Environmental Damages Fund which is administered by Environment Canada on behalf of the Government of Canada. The fund provides courts with a way to direct fines to projects that restore and protect the environment.

The joint investigation, dubbed “Operation Linklater,” led to the seizure of over 480 kg of wild game meats and meat products.  In addition to the fines, Mr. Deneiko is prohibited from obtaining a provincial hunting licence for a period of five years, and a federal hunting permit for one year.

The Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and its regulations ensure the conservation of migratory bird populations by regulating potentially harmful human activities.  Environmental legislation plays an important role in promoting respect for, protecting and conserving the environment.

Additional information on the Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994) may be found at: http://ec.gc.ca/nature/default.asp?lang=En&n=7CEBB77D-1.

Additional information on the Environmental Damages Fund may be found at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/edf-fde/default.asp?lang=En&n=C5BAD261-1.