A 17-year-old has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly using an SUV to drive over several Canada geese in south Winnipeg. Police describe the events as a half-hour spree that took place across three different parking lots on a Saturday night.
Timeline of the Incidents
The first incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. In a parking lot on Henlow Bay, located within the West Fort Garry Industrial Park. In this instance, a sleeping goose was run over and left injured.
A few minutes later, the driver allegedly targeted two more sleeping geese in an adjacent lot on Henlow Bay, killing both animals.
The spree concluded at 10:17 p.m. In the Seasons of Tuxedo shopping district. In a strip mall parking lot next to Ikea on Sterling Lyon Parkway, two geese were chased from their nest, and killed.
Investigation and Arrest
Authorities were able to identify the vehicle involved through security video captured by a business at the Sterling Lyon Parkway strip mall. This footage shows an SUV running over the birds in the parking lot.
The teenager was arrested at his residence on Monday. He currently faces five charges of killing or injuring animals.
While the youth has been released from custody with a scheduled court date, police stated that the investigation is continuing.
Legal Protections for Canada Geese
Canada geese are classified as protected birds. Under federal law, it is illegal to kill these birds, or to harm or disturb them, their eggs, or their nests, unless the individual possesses a federal permit.
While they are also classified as game birds and may be hunted during specific designated seasons, the actions alleged in this case fall outside those protections.
Victoria Shroff, a Vancouver-based animal law lawyer, notes that there has been a societal shift away from treating animals as mere property. Shroff argues that more education is needed, particularly for young people, to encourage coexistence rather than viewing animals as hazards or inconveniences.
What May Happen Next
The legal process for the 17-year-old will likely proceed through the youth justice system. Depending on the court’s findings, the teen could face penalties associated with the five counts of killing or injuring animals.
Given the protected status of the birds, there is a possibility that further legal scrutiny regarding federal migratory bird protections could be explored as the investigation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific charges is the teenager facing?
The 17-year-old faces five charges of killing or injuring animals.
Where did the attacks on the geese take place?
The incidents occurred in three south Winnipeg parking lots: two on Henlow Bay in the West Fort Garry Industrial Park and one on Sterling Lyon Parkway in the Seasons of Tuxedo shopping district.
Is it legal to hunt Canada geese in Canada?
Canada geese are classified as game birds and can be hunted during designated seasons; however, it is generally illegal to kill, harm, or disturb them, their nests, or their eggs without a federal permit.
Do you believe current animal cruelty laws provide enough deterrent for youth offenders?
