Hunters: Fines too high

SPOKESMAN for the Confederation of Hunters Association Buddie Miller has said the new fines for illegal hunting, which will come into effect from January 1, may be too stiff in some cases.

He mentioned the $10,000 penalty under the Conservation of Wildlife Act for hunting or exercising dogs during the closed season, which is up from $2,000.

“This is too much as there are wildlife animals running around and can be caught,” he said.

One example he gave was the agouti.

Miller believes the new fines are coming into effect without much warning.

“We did not meet with our membership to discuss any of these issues,” he said, and hunters may not be aware of the new fines.

But CEO of Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tours Allister Nanan is in agreement with the new fines, calling them "perfect."

“Trinbagonians do not care about wildlife and they do not care about the value of the species itself,” Nanan said. Hunters, he said, will shoot left, right and centre. He is not against hunting, because he knows people have their sports, he said, but too many hunters are breaking the law.

“With the new fines, hunters will abide by the law,” he felt.

Nanan is pleased about the $10,000 fine for hunting in a game sanctuary, an increase from $1,000, and the fine of $10,000 for hunting protected animals without a special game licence, up from $1,000.

Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat always says he is a hunter as well, said Nanan, and has a good idea of what is happening in regard to hunting.

In an earlier report, Rambharat warned of the new fines for illegal hunting after President Paula-Mae Weekes assented to the Finance Act 2018, which sets the increased penalties.

As of January 1, poachers who break the law will pay heavily. According to the act, the minister also has the power to increase the prescribed fines.

Rambharat will be monitoring activities during the hunting and close seasons so as to determine what further action may be required to strike the balance between hunting in the open season, the need for the sustainable management of wildlife resources, and public safety issues.

TT has acceded to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the only global convention specialising in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats and migration routes.

New hunting fines

$10,000 for hunting in a game sanctuary (up from $1,000)

$10,000 for hunting protected animals without a special game licence ($1,000)

$1,500 for failing to produce a state game licence ($100)

$4,000 for failing to obtain a state game licence ($400)

$10,000 for hunting while disqualified ($2,000)

$10,000 for hunting during the close season/exercising dogs during the close season ($2,000)

$5,000 for failing to give place of abode/giving false place of abode ($100)

$10,000 for assaulting, obstructing/resisting a game warden ($1,000)

$10,000 for payment of compensation instead of fine ($200)

$10,000 for export of animals without permission ($2,000)

$5,000 for offences without fines specified ($200'

$10,000 limit on fines prescribed by the minister under the regulations ($200).