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R v Scalplock

Country/Territory
Canada
Type of court
National - lower court
Date
May 2, 2007
Source
UNEP, InforMEA
Court name
Provincial Court of British Columbia
Reference number
52763
Language
English
Subject
Wild species & ecosystems
Abstract
The defendant has pleaded guilty to a charge that he did unlawfully traffic in dead wildlife or a part thereof contrary to the Wildlife Act. A conservation officer was introduced to a person who would sell the officer bald eagle parts. They formed a business relationship and on several occasions the person said that he would attend the Chilliwack pow-wow (a traditional gathering among North American indigenous peoples) to traffic in eagle parts to possible buyers. They agreed that they would attend together and that the person would introduce the officer, who was working undercover, to people to whom to sell parts. At the Chilliwack pow-wow, the officer came to be acquainted with the defendant, who was introduced as potential buyer of eagle parts. He was wearing a bustle of eagle feathers and holding a fan of eagle feathers. The officer opened one bag and showed the defendant bald eagle wings in good shape, in which the defendant became interested. They negotiated a price and sealed the deal, handing over to the defendant a duffel bag with feathers and wings. Judgement: The Court concluded a penalty of 5,000 Canadian Dollars, which was agreed to be general deterrence. The need to send a message to traffickers and prospective traffickers was underlined. The fact that the defendant is 53 years of age, is divorced and has five children, as well as having no prior convictions, an early plea, and immediate subsequent remorse, were taken into account when defining an appropriate penalty.
Full text
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