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A hunter yesterday pleaded
guilty under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA) and was fined
$35,000.00 or 3 months imprisonment in the Resident Magistrates
Court in Falmouth for shooting protected birds during the 2007 Bird
Shooting Season.
The hunter was arrested on
Sunday, September 23, the last day of the hunting season, after
being found with five (5) protected birds; three (3) Blue-winged
Teal, one (1) Great Egret and one (1) Moorhen. In Jamaica, birds are
protected under the Wild Life Protection Act; however, the law
allows for the hunting of some Game Birds during a prescribed
shooting season.
The public is being advised
that all illegal shooting or hunting of protected birds should be
reported to NEPA at 754 7540 extension: 2225, 2412 or 2408; or to
the local police.
The public is being reminded
that the 2007 Bird Shooting Season closed on Sunday, September 23.
Any person caught shooting during the closed-season will be
prosecuted. Under the Wild Life Protection Act, it is illegal to
shoot protected birds or hunt outside the shooting season. Breaking
the law carries a maximum penalty of $100,000 and or 12 months in
prison. In addition, all Hunters’ Licences expired at the end of the
season.
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