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Tougher Penalties for Wildlife Crimes

Full Title:
The Wildlife Amendment Act

Summary#

The Wildlife Amendment Act in Manitoba makes penalties much tougher for harming protected species. It also cancels and suspends hunting licences when someone is convicted, with a lifetime ban for repeat offenders. The law takes effect on the day it receives royal assent.

  • Sets much higher fines and possible jail time for breaking rules that protect certain animals.
  • For a first protected-species offence: fine of $10,000 to $100,000 and up to one year in jail.
  • For a second or later offence: fine of $20,000 to $200,000 and up to two years in jail.
  • If convicted of these wildlife offences, all your affected hunting licences are cancelled right away.
  • After conviction, you cannot get or hold those licences for at least one year, and for two years after a first protected-species offence.
  • A second protected-species offence brings a lifetime ban on getting those licences.
  • Updates enforcement language so rules apply to any protected species (not just elk, antelope, cougar, or game birds).
  • Removes an earlier clause in section 24 of the Act (the text here does not show what it covered).

What it means for you#

  • Hunters and trappers

    • If you harm or take a protected species, you face very large fines and possible jail.
    • A conviction cancels all your related hunting licences in Manitoba right away.
    • You will be blocked from getting those licences for at least one year. If your conviction is for a protected-species offence, the block is two years for a first offence.
    • A second protected-species conviction means a lifetime ban on those licences.
    • Be extra careful to know which animals are protected and what actions are banned.

  • Outfitters and guides

    • Clients who break protected-species rules face severe penalties and licence loss, which can affect your business.
    • Stronger rules may push you to add stricter checks and clearer guidance for clients.

  • Landowners and farmers

    • If you harm a protected species, even by mistake, penalties are severe. Check rules before removing nuisance wildlife.

  • General public and nature users

    • Stronger penalties are meant to deter poaching and help protect wildlife populations, including species at risk.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

  • Tough penalties will deter poaching and illegal trade in protected animals.
  • Automatic licence cancellation and bans will stop repeat offenders from returning to the field.
  • Stronger protection helps wildlife recover and supports healthy ecosystems.
  • Higher fines reflect the real harm of killing or taking protected species.
  • Updating the language to cover any protected species closes loopholes.

Opponents' View#

  • The fines are very high and could be too harsh for minor or accidental violations.
  • Mandatory minimum penalties may remove flexibility for special circumstances.
  • Rural residents and subsistence hunters could face heavier impacts if they make a mistake.
  • A lifetime ban after a second offence may leave no path for rehabilitation.
  • People may be unsure which animals are “protected,” increasing the risk of unintentional violations.