June 14, 2013
Moncton, New Brunswick - Three people have been fined and ordered to perform community service for their roles in the death of seals on a Prince Edward Island beach in January.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Region, and the Prince Edward Island Kings District RCMP announced today convictions under the federal Marine Mammals Regulationsand the Criminal Code in relation to the death of the seals.
The offences were committed on Cape Bear beach located near Murray Harbour, P.E.I., by three individuals the weekend of January 26, 2013. Among the three individuals involved are two minors who cannot be identified and a third adult, Colton Hal Clements, 18, of Kings County.
The three individuals pleaded guilty to two charges: disturbing marine mammals; and willfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to animals.
Judge Nancy Orr of the Georgetown Provincial Court included the following in her sentencing on June 13, 2013:
For the two young offenders:
- The judge imposed fines of $500 and 100 hours of community service for each offence, totaling $1,000 and 200 hours of service per person.
- The young offenders were also ordered to serve two years' worth of probation and must work closely with a Youth Worker during this time.
- They were instructed to pay $230 to help cover the costs of necropsies conducted on some of the seals at the Atlantic Veterinary College (in P.E.I.).
- The young offenders cannot fish or hunt recreationally and are prohibited from possessing firearms while on probation.
- A letter of apology must be written to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
For Clements:
- The judge imposed a fine of $750 and 100 hours of community service for each offence, totaling $1,500 and 200 hours of service.
- Clements was also ordered to serve two years' worth of probation and must work closely with a Probation Officer during this time. In addition he must pay a victim surcharge fine of $105.
- Clements was instructed to pay $230 to to help cover the costs of necropsies conducted on some of the seals at the Atlantic Veterinary College (in P.E.I.).
- A letter of apology must be written to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Prince Edward Island Kings District RCMP, in cooperation with fishery officers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Region, conducted the investigation which led to the arrest of these three individuals.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a mandate to protect and conserve marine resources and prosecute offenders under the Fisheries Act.
Anyone wishing to report suspicious fishing activity is asked to contact their nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada office call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit a provincial Crime Stoppers website.
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