September 30, 2008

Unlawful Import Of Reptiles Results In Fine

BROCKVILLE , Ontario -- Dennis R. Day of Cobden, Ontario was convicted in the Ontario Court of Justice on one count of unlawfully importing 11 baby Burmese pythons into Canada from the U.S.  Mr. Day received a $2,500 penalty and was also ordered to forfeit the pythons plus 25 leopard geckos and one Florida king snake that were also seized. Of the total penalty, $1,500 was directed to the Environmental Damages Fund.

Mr. Day was charged on June 14, 2007 by Environment Canada’s wildlife officers under federal legislation, namely the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). The charges were laid following the illegal import of the reptiles into Canada.  Mr. Day failed to obtain the required Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permit to import the Burmese pythons. The leopard geckos and Florida king snake are not protected under CITES, but are required to be declared at the border.

The reptiles were discovered by Canada Border Services officers during questioning of Mr. Day, a reptile distributor. The reptiles were seized by Environment Canada Wildlife Enforcement Division officers at the Canada-U.S. border crossing at the Port of Lansdowne.