ILLEGAL TURTLE ACTIVITY

REPORTING OBSERVATIONS

We have assembled the information in this article for reference purposes should it be needed. It is our hope that you never have any need to use this information.

If you observe illegal activities, harm or abuse to turtles or other animals please make note of as many details regarding the situation as you can: location, date, time, a licence plate number if applicable, description of the people and animals involved. The more details that can be provided when reported the better.

Should you be able to take a photograph or video, even on a mobile phone without putting yourself or anyone else in harms way this could prove to be very helpful. 

It is important to report illegal activities and animal harm or abuse because it is a crime! Individuals that engage in such activities if not held accountable may resort to repeat incidents causing species declines, serious injury or death to an animal. 

ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES

Should you witness someone removing turtle eggs from nests, removing turtles from the wild, or having turtle eggs or any of Ontario's native turtle species in their possession or selling either in person or online please make note of as many details of the situation as you can and report it.

If you witness or suspect poaching, abuses or the theft of natural resources of any kind please report this to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry toll-free TIPS-MNR reporting line, 1-877-TIPS-MNR (1-877-847-7667) with as many details as possible from anywhere in Ontario. This call centre is available ias available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

ANIMAL ABUSE

If you witness someone deliberately run over a turtle on the road, engage in any kind of activity that harms, injures or kills a turtle or 'ANY' kind of animal make make note of as many details of the situation as you can. Please report concerning activities of this nature to the toll-free Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) 1-833-9-ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625) from anywhere in Ontario. This call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Other numbers for reporting such incidents include: 

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry toll-free TIPS-MNR reporting line, 1-877-TIPS-MNR (1-877-847-7667) with as many details as possible from anywhere in Ontario. 

Crime Stoppers. Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can report illegal activities through the Crime Stoppers website or toll-free reporting line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) with as many details as possible from anywhere in Ontario. 

The local OPP office in your district. 

Thank you for looking out for animals and reporting injustices that threaten their well being and earthly presence.