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Truckers Fined for Transporting Elk in Crowded Conditions

Truckers William A. Williamson of Mervin, Sask. and Donald E. Williamson of Edam, Sask., each pleaded guilty Dec. 16, 2004 in Ontario Provincial Court in Owen Sound to violating the Health of Animals Regulations pertaining to the humane transport of animals. The two men were each fined $1,000.

In April, 2003, the Williamsons transported 80 elk from Saskatchewan to a slaughter plant in Proton Station, Ontario. When the elk arrived at Proton Station, Canadian Food Inspection Agency staff observed one dead animal and others suffering from abrasions and the loss of hair. The elk were crowded to such an extent as to be likely to cause injury or undue suffering.

The manner in which the elk were transported violated subsection 140.(2) of the Health of Animals Regulations, and thereby constituted an offence under paragraph 65(1)(a) of the Health of Animals Act. These regulations protect animals from injury or undue suffering while they are being transported.

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