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Enforcement

Enforcement is an integral part of our forest resources management system. Proper enforcement is crucial to maintaining a sustainable ecosystem.

• Forestry
• Agrifoods
• Legislation & Compliance Division
• Complaints of Illegal Activity
• Problem Wildlife/Nuisance Animals Contact Numbers

Forestry

The responsibility of enforcing the province's forestry regulations still lies with the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. Successful forestry management includes adequate enforcement and protection programs. These programs help ensure that the public understands and is aware of the various requirements in utilizing our forestry resources in a responsible and sustainable manner.

To carry out enforcement of the legislation and regulations, the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency has approximately 100 Conservation Officers located at various Regional and District Forestry Offices throughout the province. In addition to enforcing Forestry regulations under the Forestry Act/Regulations, Conservation Officers are authorized to enforce provisions of the Animal Health and Protection Act/Regulations,  Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act /Regulations, non wildlife sections of the Endangered Species Act, and the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act/Regulations.

Copies of these Acts/Regulations are available through the relevant federal agency (see Related Sites) or provincially from:

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Agrifoods

The Agrifoods Branch of the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency also has enforcement responsibilities as detailed below:

• Animal Health and Protection Act
  This Act consolidates and updates the provisions of the previous Animal Protection Act, Dog Act, Heritage Animals Act, Livestock Act, and Livestock Health Act which have now been repealed. It was passed on May 2nd, 2012 along with 8 sets of subordinate regulations. This new Act and regulations provide regulatory means to control animal welfare, nuisance animals, animal diseases, the use of antibiotics in domestic animals and the promotion of heritage animals in this province.
• Meat Inspection Act
  Primary responsibility for inspecting abattoirs and meat is under the Government Service Centre. Staff veterinarians provide professional support to GSC inspectors; the laboratories provide analytical support for the program; the Director signs licences for abattoirs, provides policy and training support.
• Food and Drug Act (Food Premises Regulations)
  Primary responsibility for inspection and licensing of dairy farms is under the Government Service Centre. Division laboratories provide analytical support; the Director provides policy and interpretive support.
• Lands Act (St. John's Urban Region Agriculture Development Area Regulations)
  An Authority consisting of at least 5 people is appointed by the Minister to carry out all powers and duties conferred and imposed by these regulations. Primary responsibility is the control of development within the St. John's Urban Region Agriculture Development Area. One staff person is responsible for this work.
• Lands Act (Wooddale Agriculture Development Area Regulations)
  An authority consisting of at least five people is appointed by the Minister of Natural Resources to carry out all powers and duties conferred and imposed by these regulations. Primary responsibility is the control of development within the Wooddale Agriculture Development Area. This work is the partial responsibility of one employee.

The Forestry and Agrifoods Agency is a member of Newfoundland and Labrador Crime Stoppers' toll-free hotline. If you should have any information regarding a crime against our wildlife or forest resources or information pertaining to a case of cruelty to animals, you can call Crime Stoppers with the pertinent information. Calls are anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to the conviction of a person.

The number for Crime Stoppers is 1-800-363-TIPS (8477).

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Problem Wildlife/Nuisance Animals Contact Numbers

During regular office hours please contact your district or satellite office to report problem wildlife or nusiance animals such as; black bears, polar bears, coyotes, moose and beavers.  After hours please contact the emergency after hours number listed. These emergency numbers are not for general enquiries.

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