TORONTO -
Three southwestern Ontario men are facing 34 charges for their alleged roles in a black-market operation that saw protected species sold across the Canada-U.S. border.
The investigation involved Ontario's Natural Resources Ministry, Environment Canada and American agencies.
Ministry spokesman David Critchlow says the men are charged with a number of offences related to two specific species: the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and the spotted turtle.
The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is listed as a threatened species in Ontario, while the spotted turtle is considered endangered.
Although ministry officials wouldn't give specific details, New York state authorities say they were able to obtain eastern massasauga rattlesnakes from one of the suspects.
They say he was caught in a parking lot with 33 rattlesnakes hidden in compartments inside his van.
Critchlow said the crimes are serious and carry stiff penalties.
"A conviction under the Endangered Species Act alone in Ontario can see a maximum fine of $250,000 and/or a year in jail, and that can be per animal or per offence," he said.
Three southwestern Ontario men are facing 34 charges for their alleged roles in a black-market operation that saw protected species sold across the Canada-U.S. border.
The investigation involved Ontario's Natural Resources Ministry, Environment Canada and American agencies.
Ministry spokesman David Critchlow says the men are charged with a number of offences related to two specific species: the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and the spotted turtle.
The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is listed as a threatened species in Ontario, while the spotted turtle is considered endangered.
Although ministry officials wouldn't give specific details, New York state authorities say they were able to obtain eastern massasauga rattlesnakes from one of the suspects.
They say he was caught in a parking lot with 33 rattlesnakes hidden in compartments inside his van.
Critchlow said the crimes are serious and carry stiff penalties.
"A conviction under the Endangered Species Act alone in Ontario can see a maximum fine of $250,000 and/or a year in jail, and that can be per animal or per offence," he said.
