AIWC HELPS TO PREVENT WILDLIFE CRUELTY
Preventing Cruelty Against Wildlife by Janna Mariano-Groza
“Canadian wildlife species and ecosystems are...part of the world’s heritage" - Canada Species at Risk Act
If you see a person, no matter what age, harassing wildlife or being intentionally cruel and/or abusive to any wildlife species, the following steps should be taken. Note: Harassment, cruelty and abuse includes: throwing rocks at wildlife, using wildlife as target practice, taking wildlife young from their nesting areas without due cause, illegally trapping or snaring wildlife, and causing any other psychological or physical harm to wildlife.
#1. Stay Safe
Do not approach the person harassing wildlife unless you feel it is safe to do so. Remember that these people may not be averse to harming any living creature, yourself included. Also, keep an eye on, but do not approach, any injured wildlife since they will be equally threatened by any human, especially after being abused.
#2. Contact Law Enforcement Agencies Immediately - REPORT ALL CASES!
Fish and Wildlife (throughout Alberta, including cities): 1 (800) 642-3800
Calgary Police Service (City of Calgary): 266-1234
Calgary Humane Society: (403) 205-4455
Alberta SPCA (rural): 1-800-455-9003
These agencies will dispatch officers to investigate the situation.
#3. Get Evidence of Intent
Photos from camera phones or handheld cameras and video footage can be solid evidence to establish intent (as opposed to "self-defense") in a case of harassment, cruelty or abuse.
#4. Be a Witness
Eye-witness accounts are invaluable to the investigations so please stay nearby or offer the law enforcement officers your contact information before leaving the scene. Also encourage other witnesses to stay at the scene or leave contact information. Pay attention to as many details about the assailant and the situation as possible so that you will be a valuable witness.
5. Contact AIWC or Local Wildlife Rehabilitators
Remember that the injured animal needs care, too.
If you are anywhere in Alberta or the Northwest Territories, you can phone the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC): (403) 946-2361.
If you are out-of-province or out-of-country, prepare for this possibility by researching local wildlife hotlines before your trip, or ask the law enforcement officers for the appropriate numbers.
Be sure to inform the wildlife rehabilitation center about the circumstances surrounding the injury so that they can retain evidence and stay in contact with the law enforcement agencies throughout the duration of the investigation and conviction process.
#6. Know the Laws!
In Canada, wildlife is protected under a number of federal and provincial laws including the Canadian Criminal Code, the Canadian Wildlife Act and the provincial/territory Animal Protection Acts.
Canadian Criminal Code (Section 446: Cruelty to Animals)
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/C-46/bo-ga:l_XI-gb:s_446//en#anchorbo-ga:l_XI-gb:s_446
Canada Wildlife Act
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/ShowTdm/cs/W-9///en
Alberta Animal Protection Act
http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/Acts/A41.cfm?frm_isbn=0779743571
Animal-related laws for other provinces and territories (provided by the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies)
http://cfhs.ca/law/provincial_legislation/
Species at Risk Act
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/S-15.3/text.html
Migratory Birds Convention Act
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/M-7.01
#7. Encourage Prevention and Education
Preventing harassment and abuse through education is not only a service to wildlife, but to the community as a whole since many studies have proven the link between animal abuse and violence against fellow humans. AIWC provides educational presentations for schools, community organizations and businesses in hopes of preventing human-related injuries to wildlife and to encourage the appreciation of native species. Please contact us at 946-2361 or education@aiwc.ca to host an AIWC education session.
