Resolution No. 11-06A

WHEREAS, ratepayers in the northern RM areas have experienced an increase in torn, maimed and killed livestock over the past several years; and

WHEREAS, ratepayers have not been taken seriously or appropriately regarding their losses; and

WHEREAS, Saskatchewan Environment (SE) has not provided adequate assistance or compensation; and

WHEREAS, SE has insisted on inadequate methods of protection, e.g. sheep development board personnel being sent out who are incompetent and forbidding snares that would work; and

WHEREAS, SE should cover the costs of control of these dangerous animals because they have protected them in various ways;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we defend our ratepayers who are threatened with the loss and danger by coyotes, wolves, cougars, bears, wild boars, and ravens; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that SE remove all restrictions immediately so farmers and ranchers or their agents are allowed to protect their property; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the said farmers, ranchers or their agents not incur any further costs for permits, etc.

Response from Honourable John T. Nilson, Q.C., Minister of Environment:

For the purpose of protecting property or livestock, the owner or occupant of any land may kill any coyote, wolf, cougar, or bear on his or her own land without a license. The killing of cougar or bear must be reported to Saskatchewan Environment (SE). A special permit from SE is required to kill ravens as this species is protected because of its spiritual value to First Nations people. Wild boars are domestic animals and regulations pertaining to them come under The Stray Animals Act, which is administered by Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

The Stray Animal Act gives municipalities and, in some cases individuals, the ability to destroy wild boar that are dangerous or causing harm to property, livestock or wildlife. Predators threatening property or livestock may be killed by any legal means, including shooting or using leghold traps and foot snares. Mechanically activated neck snares may be used to kill coyotes if the person obtains a special permit from SE. SE is in the process of amending regulations to allow the use of power neck snares for wolves. This type of snare was not previously allowed because of concerns that non-targeted species, including livestock and wild ungulates, may be accidentally captured.

There is no cost for producers who access assistance from predator control specialists under the Saskatchewan Livestock Predation Program as administered by the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board. Any special permits that may be required to remove predators are also provided to producers at no cost. A producer is required to purchase a fur license to sell the pelts of any fur-bearing animal taken. The provincial government is committed to working with livestock producers and rural municipalities in protecting livestock. There are a number of programs currently in place to assist with these efforts.