Carmine Bruno, a resident of Port Moody, has been sentenced to pay a $7,000 fine and complete 100 days of community service following his conviction for illegally killing a grizzly bear near Squamish in October 2021. The sentencing, handed down last week in provincial court, also includes a five-year ban on hunting and possessing firearms.
The Conservation Officer Service (COS) investigation began after a tip was received through the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline. Initially, Bruno claimed he acted in self-defence, but the evidence gathered during the investigation revealed that the killing was unjustified and in violation of the Wildlife Act.
In February this year, an award of up to $12,000 was announced for anyone who may have information leading to the person responsible for the killing of a grizzly bear.
Grizzly bears are protected in British Columbia, and there is no open season for hunting these animals. The COS expressed hope that the significant penalty imposed on Bruno will deter others, discouraging similar illegal actions against wildlife.
