A Winnipeg woman was fined $300 for throwing objects at a nesting Canada goose. Experts say it’s a rare but important reminder of federal wildlife laws.
Rare Fine for Common Offence
A Winnipeg woman has been fined $300 under federal wildlife law after being caught on video throwing objects at a nesting Canada goose near a Henderson Highway apartment building on May 7, 2024. Though the incident might seem minor to some, experts say the case serves as a strong reminder that harassing migratory birds is illegal across Canada.
Incident Captured and Reported
The case began when a passerby witnessed the 20-year-old woman throwing a bottle of leather cleaner and a pylon at the goose, which was nesting near the entrance of her friend’s building. The incident was recorded and later reported to Environment and Climate Change Canada. The woman admitted to trying to scare the bird off, telling a provincial court judge, “I was just trying to scare it away.”
Legal Consequences for Wildlife Harassment
The woman pleaded guilty in court last month under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, a federal statute protecting species like the Canada goose. Although the initial fine was listed at $730, the judge reduced it to $300, citing the woman’s circumstances — including a recent pregnancy and emotional distress.
Legal Experts Weigh In
V. Victoria Shroff, a Vancouver-based animal law expert, noted that prosecutions under the Act are relatively rare but likely underreported. “It’s just a fluke that some passerby happened to have witnessed it and videotaped it,” said Shroff. “People need to be aware — everyone has a camera in their phone now.”
Shroff added that claims of ignorance are not a defence. “People think, ‘I didn’t know it was illegal,’ but that doesn’t matter in court,” she said, stressing the importance of public education around wildlife protections.
Broader Implications of the Law
Federal Crown attorney Joan Schmidt acknowledged the frustration some people feel when encountering aggressive geese but emphasized that the law exists for a reason. “They are protected in Canada, and you just have to work around them,” she said.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, 34 charges were laid under the Act in 2024, not including tickets or warnings. Manitoba officials said conservation officers lay similar charges about 3–6 times per year, usually related to illegal hunting, egg collection, or bird possession.
Wildlife Protections Still Crucial
The Migratory Birds Convention Act was implemented when species like the Canada goose faced significant population decline. While numbers have since rebounded, officials warn that without continued protection, those gains could quickly be lost.
Anyone facing issues with nesting birds is encouraged to contact the Canadian Wildlife Service or local conservation authorities, rather than taking matters into their own hands.
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