A Cornwall man has been fined $4,000 for selling and offering to sell native species on the Internet.
Stephen Shillingford was convicted on eight charges related to illegally selling and offering to sell specially protected and game wildlife under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
The court heard that between May 27 and June 26, 2009, Shillingford offered musk, western painted, midland painted, spiny softshell, spotted and common snapping turtles for sale on the Internet. On June 25, he met with and sold common snapping and western painted turtles to a plainclothes conservation officer.
Justice of the Peace Luc Guindon heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Cornwall, on March 10, 2010.
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act prohibits keeping specially protected and game wildlife in captivity except under the authority of a licence. As of June 2008, species at risk, including the spotted, spiny softshell and musk (stinkpot) turtles from Ontario have additional protection under the Endangered Species Act.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry officer during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Steve Aubry, Kemptville District, 613-258-8404
