11 men arrested in B.C. eagle mutilations
Eleven B.C. men face charges in the killing and mutilation of dozens of bald eagles in North Vancouver… including possession and trafficking in dead wildlife.
- INDEPTH: Eagle slaughter
 Police examine eagle remains in February, 2005. (CBC) |
A North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson said the men face 105 charges.
The B. C. Conservation Officer Service, with help from various agencies in Canada and the United States, conducted an investigation after at least 50 carcasses were found in North Vancouver in February 2005.
About 40 of the eagle carcasses were buried in a shallow grave on the Burrard First Nations reserve. The legs and feathers had been cut off, investigators said.
Eagle feathers and talons are used in some traditional aboriginal outfits and ceremonies. For these purposes, permits are issued for First Nations to use eagles that have died naturally – but sometimes the birds are killed for the parts.
Leah George-Wilson, the elected chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation said the arrests have brought closure to people in the community.
"In our community view, this sort of activity is criminal and must be dealt with in that manner. In our view, the courtroom is the best venue for these kinds of activities to be dealt with," she said on the weekend.
The RCMP spokesperson said there will be more charges coming in the case.
The first court proceedings will take place June 15 in Surrey provincial court.
