SASKATOON – Two men from Alberta have been fined after pleading guilty to illegally selling animal fur in Saskatchewan. The investigation into the pair from Leslieville, Alta. started when conservation officers began looking into the sale of coyote pelts harvested in the province.
The officers were tipped off in January 2015 by someone who spotted suspicious social media ads.
The investigation ended with the two men being charged under The Wildlife Act and Regulations.
Justin Wagner was fined $3,750 after pleading guilty to selling fur animals without a licence and using another person’s licence. Kyle Evans was fined $1,400 for selling fur animals without a licence.
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Both are also banned for one year from buying or holding any fur, bird or game licences in Saskatchewan.
“Unlicensed individuals involved in the illegal sale of fur can negatively impact the livelihood of provincially licenced trappers,” “Licences and permits are issued to manage and protect Saskatchewan’s wildlife resources,” stated Ken Aube, the enforcement and investigations director with the Ministry of Environment.
“We are keeping tabs on what is going on and we do appreciate the public’s assistance in alerting us about these types of posts.”
Officials said all pelts seized during the investigation have been forfeited to the Crown.
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