Eagle killed while attacking family pet

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

A McLennan youth who killed a golden eagle which was trying to kill his cat, then tried to sell its parts for profit, faced the wrath of the law in High Prairie youth court April 29. The boy, 17, was fined $1,200 after pleading guilty to two Fish and Wildlife Act charges including possession of exotic wildlife and trafficking in exotic wildlife. “I’m very regretful for what I’ve done,” the boy told Judge Thomas R. Goodson before sentencing. “I didn’t intend to try to kill the bird. I’m just sorry.” The boy, whose name cannot be published because of provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was fined $600 on each charge with time to pay granted to Aug. 29. Crown prosecutor Doug Taylor told youth court High Prairie Fish and Wildlife received a phone call Sept. 18, 2007 telling them someone killed a golden eagle in McLennan. “Certain people were trying to sell the parts,” said Taylor. “A golden eagle had been on the property of his now ex-girlfriend,” Taylor told court. “It was swooping down and made aggressive (actions) toward the cat. They tried to shoo it away … they killed the eagle.” Youth court heard the boy and his older brother were trying to start a business. They decided to draft a letter to send to local First Nations indicating they had an eagle and were willing to sell the parts. The letter read the two accused “hit it in the head and it’s no longer alive.” Later, youth court heard the boys were hoping to get $10,000 but were willing to settle for $5,000. The eagle was seized by Fish and Wildlife and eventually restored for exhibit. Taylor said the boy’s actions did call for large fines. “We’re dealing with a young person … and there was no actual trade,” said Taylor in also recognizing the mitigating factors in the case. Taylor told youth court the replacement value of the bird was $10,000 according to Edward E. Clark Jr. president of the Virginia Wildlife Centre. “We’re dealing with a bird of prey that has great value,” said Clark. However, by law, youth court is only able to levy a maximum $1,000 fine against a youth for any offence. “And he did cooperate with authorities,” concluded Taylor. In his decision, Judge Goodson decided the boy’s actions did not warrant the most severe penalty. “The maximum penalty is $1,000,” said the judge. “That’d be the worst case scenario. This is not the worst case scenario. The defendant did not set out to kill the bird.” The boy told youth court he could not afford to pay a fine. Instead, he plans to work off his fine on the fine option program.

Copyright © 1999-2005 South Peace News. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster