CCWR owner is fined for unlawfully keeping live raccoons at Dunrobin site

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Theresa Fritz

EMC News - A Dunrobin resident has pleaded guilty to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) charge of unlawfully keeping wildlife without a licence to do so.

Lynn Rowe, owner of the Constance Creek Wildlife Refuge (CCWR), was fined $500 after entering in plea in court in Ottawa last week. Justice of the Peace Kathy Miller heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice Jan. 13.

The case dates back to October, 11, 2011, when the MNR executed a search warrant on Rowe's Dunrobin home. Rowe was charged for caring for two baby raccoons that were found abandoned and brought to her centre. The MNR charged the raccoons were found to "be housed in unsanitary conditions."

While CCWR is a registered non-profit centre, the centre is unlicensed and not authorized under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, to possess any live wildlife. The facility is still awaiting its licence to house wild animals, though Rowe contends they have met all criteria and applied for a permit six months ago

Ministry officials had previously taken enforcement action with Rowe in August 2010 when she was warned for keeping deer, and again in January 2011, when she was charged and convicted of keeping live deer without a licence.

Rowe initially started the Galloping Goat Farm as a hobby farm and refuge for domestic animals, such as potbellied pigs and lame horses from riding schools. From there, she opted to expand into wildlife rescue.

For Rowe, the whole experience has been exhausting. A single mother who works at a database system administrator in Ottawa, she operates the CCWR as a volunteer service with a group of dedicated volunteers.

EXHAUSTED

"I am just catching my breath," she told the Review EMC after her case was concluded. "It has taken a lot out of me. It was very stressful for me."

She is unsure how her guilty plea and subsequent fine will affect her application to licence her facility to care to wildlife.

"That is a good question," she said. "It was officially put on hold until the court case was settled...will they (MNR) approve or deny my licence? I don't know."

While she knows she has opponents to what she is trying to do, she also has supporters who have kept her going and are committed to the cause just as she is. "There are people who really want to provide a service," Rowe stated. "There is a real need for this service (wildlife refuge)."

While the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in North Gower takes in wildlife, Rowe said that facility is often filled to capacity,

"Once they are full, they are full. What do you do?" she stated.

Rowe is the first to admit she went again the ministry's regulations and appreciates the fact those regulations are in place for a reason.

"The ministry rules are there to try and avoid public health issues," she stated. "I know I went against the rules. I just felt it was the right thing to do."

The MNR authorizes wildlife custodians to care for sick, orphaned or injured wildlife with the ultimate goal of returning wildlife to the wild. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, prohibits keeping wildlife in captivity unless authorized by the MNR.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPSMNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

theresa.fritz@metroland.com