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Wildlife Enforcement Blitz in the Yukon Yields Over 50 Violations

WHITEHORSE, Y.T. -- October 8, 2010 -- Environment Canada officers have completed a two-week import/export border “blitz” at the Beaver Creek border crossing in Yukon Territory. Officers uncovered more than 50 violations under federal and territorial laws, including those under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA).

The blitz resulted in 23 seizures or detentions involving whole or parts of protected species such as walrus, black bear, grizzly bear, sea otter, caribou, moose, eagle (feathers), coyote, dall sheep and bowhead whale.

Working in cooperation with the Canada Border Services Agency, Yukon Territorial Conservation Officer Services and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 350 persons or vehicles carrying wildlife or wildlife parts were inspected from September 12 to 24, 2010.

Enforcement actions included written warnings, seizure of goods, and tickets issued under the Yukon Wildlife Act, which is administered by the Yukon territorial government. Some of the violations have led to further investigations which may result in additional charges.

WAPPRIITA is the legislation used to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Canada. Convictions under WAPPRIITA could result in fines up to $150,000 and up to five years in prison for an individual, or up to $300,000 in fines for a corporation.

CITES is an international agreement to regulate trade in specific species of wild animals and plants, as well as their respective parts and derivatives. Environment Canada is the lead agency responsible for CITES implementation in Canada.

Further information on CITES and WAPPRIITA may be found at http://www.cites.ec.gc.ca/.

For more information, please click here.