Is poaching legal in the East Kootenays? It would appear that it is to certain people anyway and the authorities do condone it.
An incident took place on September 5, 2009, when two dogs had been shot with arrows, supposedly mistaken for wolves, killing one dog and seriously injuring the other to a tune of approximately $1,000 veterinarian bill.
The dogs had been shot in a no shooting area, as well it was not wolf hunting season. The shooter gave three different versions to the RCMP - one of which he claimed that he thought they were wolves.
This was reported to the Sparwood RCMP Detachment. As well, the Conservation Officer was contacted. The B.C. Environment Minister assigned an independent Conservation officer to re-investigate the case as no authorities from this area/region would persue the case. This officer submitted charges under the Wildlife Act against the shooter to the Regional Crown Prosecuter in Kamloops and he denied the charges. After a year and half approx. and then it’s denied, I feel that this is just sweeping the whole incident under the carpet so to speak.
There were numerous witnesses to the incident. It is well known that if someone shot a moose, elk, deer etc., out of season or not having proper tag, poaching, they would surely be prosecuted. If I shot a cow (beef) and say I thought it was an elk (in season) I would lose my hunting privileges, my gun etc. pay a good fine or jail and have to pay for the cow I shot. In this incident, someones pets were shot while they were out for a run. Should they not be compensated? I guess this tells us that the laws are made only for certain persons and it is not what you know, it is who you know.
I would appreciate some answers to my concerns from the authorities. Many other people would like answers as well.
Norma Halladay
Grasmere