A fawn, being held in captivity, has been seized by the BC Conservation Officers Service (BCCOS) from a home in Cumberland.
The baby deer was being held on the property illegally, according to the BCCOS, which has resulted in the Cumberland resident being charged with unlawful possession of live wildlife.
Officers say this charge, under the Wildlife Act, comes with a $345 price tag. Based on reactions to a Facebook post about the fawn, made by the BCCOS, the public would like to see that number increased.
“$345 is not nearly enough,” one comment reads.
“It’s time to make fines for interfering with wildlife mean something! $345 doesn’t even cover the costs of CO’s time, nor does it even come close to the rehabilitation costs. At least make people pay for all the costs involved in what they have done” another poster suggests.
According to the BCCOS, the fawn has been taken for assessment and, if deemed healthy enough, will be rehabilitated.
The BC Conservation Officers Service is issuing a reminder to British Columbians following the incident to “leave wildlife alone.”
Graham Cox
