Moose victims group pushes N.L. for action

People calling for measures to reduce moose accidents on Newfoundland and Labrador's highways say they'll step up pressure if they don't get what they want at a meeting with provincial government officials Tuesday.

The group argues the number of moose in the province needs to be culled, or controlled with fences, and more brush near roads needs to be cut in order to prevent highway accidents and deaths.

"We're going to arrange a parade at the Confederation Building [in St. John's]. We're going to put the people in wheelchairs — and there's many in this province totally disabled — they are going to be in the front line. We're going to have many, many people from the public that have been affected by moose accidents behind them," said Eugene Nippard, a leader of the Save Our People Action Committee.

Leaders of the Save Our People Action Committee are scheduled to meet with three provincial cabinet ministers Tuesday.

Provincial officials say about 700 moose-vehicle accidents are reported annually across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Moose aren't native to the island of Newfoundland but wildlife officials estimate that since they were introduced to the province more than a century ago, their population has grown to about 120,000 animals.

Last fall, more than 20,000 people signed the action committee's petition calling on the provincial government to do more to control moose.

In March, the province announced it would increase the number of moose hunting licences it issues this coming fall.

But Nippard said that's not enough.

He said Tuesday morning that the group has been speaking with a lawyer about filing a class action suit against the provincial government for failing to protect people from moose.