 |
|
|
Enforcement is an integral part of our forest resources
management system. Proper enforcement is crucial to maintaining a sustainable ecosystem.
|
|
Forestry & Wildlife
Although the science and management components of the wildlife division have
moved to the Department of Environment and Conservation the responsibility of
enforcing the Province's forestry and wildlife regulations (and enforcement of federal
legislation where empowered) still lies with the Department of Natural Resources. Successful forestry and wildlife management includes adequate enforcement
and protection programs. These programs help ensure that the public understands and
is aware of the various requirements in utilizing our forestry and wildlife resources
in a responsible and sustainable manner.
To carry out enforcement of the legislation and regulations, the Department of
Natural Resources has approximately 140 Conservation Officers located
at various Regional/District Forestry & Wildlife Offices throughout the Province. In
addition to enforcing forestry and Wildlife regulations under the Forestry
Act/Regulations and the Wildlife Act/Regulations, Conservation Officers are
authorized to enforce provisions of the Motorized
Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act /Regulations, the
Migratory Birds Convention
Act/Regulations, the
Endangered Species Act, the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of
International and Interprovincial Trade Act, and certain sections of the
Wilderness
and Ecological Reserves Act/Regulations.
Copies of these Acts/Regulations are available through the relevant federal
agency (see Related Sites) or provincially from:
Office of the Queen's Printer
Tel: 709-729-3649
fax no. 709-729-1900
e-mail: queensprinter@gov.nl.ca
|
Agrifoods
The Agrifoods Branch of
the Department of Natural Resources also has enforcement
responsibilities. Staff veterinarians are named as special constables under the
Animal Protection Act. The purpose of this Act is to provide for a method to
help animals that are in distress and to prevent cruelty to or other
mistreatment of animals. Investigations and prosecutions may be carried out in
cooperation with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and
the police.
|
 |
Animal Protection
Act
Staff veterinarians (9 in total)
are named as special constables under this Act allowing them to investigate
complaints of cruelty to animals. Investigations and prosecutions may be carried
out in cooperation with the SPCA and the police. Primary role of veterinarians
is to act as expert witnesses. |
|
|
|
| |
Heritage
Animals Act
In cooperation with the
Newfoundland Pony Society, the are controls over the export of Newfoundland
Ponies from this province. |
|
| |
Meat Inspection
Act
Primary responsibility for
inspecting abattoirs and meat is under the Government Service Centre. Staff
veterinarians provide professional support to GSC inspectors; the laboratories
provide analytical support for the program; the Director signs licences for
abattoirs, provides policy and training support. |
|
| |
Food and Drug Act (Food
Premises Regulations)
Primary responsibility for
inspection and licensing of dairy farms is under the Government Service Centre.
Division laboratories provide analytical support, the Director provides policy
and interpretive support. |
|
| |
Lands Act (St. John’s Urban Region Agriculture Development Area Regulations)
An Authority consisting of at least
5 people is appointed by the Minister to carry out all powers and duties
conferred and imposed by these regulations. Primary responsibility is the
control of development within the St. John’s Urban Region Agriculture
Development Area. One staff person is responsible for this work. |
|
| |
Lands Act ( Wooddale Agriculture Development Area Regulations)
An Authority consisting of at least
5 people is appointed by the Minister to carry out all powers and duties
conferred and imposed by these regulations. Primary responsibility is the
control of development within the Wooddale Agriculture Development Area. This
work is the partial responsibility of one employee. |
|
The Department of Natural Resources is a member of
Newfoundland and Labrador Crime Stoppers’ toll free hotline. If you should have
any information regarding a crime against our wildlife or forest resources or
information pertaining to a case of cruelty to animals, you can call Crime
Stoppers with the pertinent information. Calls are anonymous and you may be
eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to the conviction of a
person.
The number for Crime
Stoppers is 1-800-363-TIPS (8477).
|
