Illegal Possession of Wildlife That Has Been Killed, Injured or Captured

Question: What are the consequences of being found guilty of illegally possessing wildlife in Ontario?

Answer: Being found guilty under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, SO 1997, c 41, s. 12 for illegal possession of wildlife can lead to significant penalties, including fines up to $25,000, imprisonment for up to two years, forfeiture of illegally obtained wildlife and equipment, and suspension of hunting, trapping, or fishing licences. For assistance in navigating legal issues related to wildlife offences, consider consulting with DefendCharges.ca for professional guidance.

What could happen if someone is found guilty of having unlawfully obtained killed, injured or captured wildlife?

The Consequences of breaking the Act may include a substantial financial fine and potential incarceration, as well as the seizure of any wildlife acquired unlawfully, the confiscation of any equipment used in the offence, and the cancellation of any...

Understanding Possession of Illegally Killed, Injured or Captured Wildlife

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, SO 1997, c 41 prohibits the possession of wildlife that has been killed, injured or captured contrary to the Act. This offence is taken very seriously and there are significant penalties for those who are convicted. Under Section 12 of the FWCA, it is an offence to possess wildlife that has been killed, injured or captured contrary to the Act.

The Law

The offence of possess illegally killed, injured or captured wildlife is prescribed within Section 12 of the FWCA,  wherein it is stated:

Potential Penalties

This offence carries a maximum fine of $25,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of not more than two years. The offence of possessing wildlife that has been killed, injured or captured contrary to the Act is a serious one. Those who are convicted of this offence will face significant penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment. In addition to the fines and possible imprisonment, those who are convicted of this offence may also face other penalties. These can include the forfeiture of any wildlife that was taken contrary to the Act, the forfeiture of any equipment used in the offence, and the suspension of any hunting, trapping or fishing licence.

Summary Comment

The offence of possessing wildlife that has been killed, injured or captured contrary to the FWCA is a serious one and those who are convicted of this offence will face significant penalties. It is important for those who hunt, trap or fish to be aware of the laws and regulations that govern these activities in order to ensure that they are not breaking the law.