Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, as I understand it, the law allows for a maximum fine of $1,000 for this offence. The offender was advised by Renewable Resources what to do with the animal, but did not act on that advice. The judgment has been made in this case, Madam Speaker, and I won't debate it after the fact. I expect that the officers and the people of the Department of Renewable Resources who are responsible for the enforcement of the Wildlife Act are as upset about this as I am. I fear that this case has sent a message to others who may find themselves facing the same situation. That is, there is an easy way out and you don't need to go to the trouble of preserving the animal after it has been destroyed because it won't cost you anything.
Madam Speaker, our laws with respect to wildlife are not a matter of convenience. They are there for a reason and must be respected by everyone. I hope, by raising the issue here today, that our legal system will take these comments to heart and consider applying much stricter penalties allowed by the law in such cases, so that we may see fewer cases like this in the future. Mahsi cho.
---Applause