Man fined for illegal trading of species at risk

MNR News Release

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Dean Barbieri of Toronto has been fined $4,000 for violations related to the illegal possession and trade of species at risk.

Barbieri pleaded guilty to six charges related to the possession, buying and selling of Species at Risk under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007, and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

Court heard that Ontario conservation officers seized one juvenile Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake at the Barbieri residence after executing a search warrant on November 1, 2008. Additional evidence obtained confirmed the previous possession and trade of an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake in May 2008. Officers focused on Barbieri following their investigation of a previously convicted individual regarding the illegal trafficking of species at risk taken from the wild in Ontario. The investigation revealed that Barbieri had both traded an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake with and purchased a snake that originated from this individual.

Justice of the Peace Peter Gettlich heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on May 28, 2009.
‘Operation Shellshock’ was a joint international investigation into the illegal trade of endangered species between Canada and the United States. The multi-agency investigation was conducted by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers as well as officers from Environment Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

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

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