Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue faces deer poaching problem

Saint-Anne-de-Bellevueofficials believesomeone is illegallyluringand killing deer inLAnse l'Orme Nature Park.

Someone has been putting bales of hay close to the road to attract the deer, then supposedly shooting them with a bow and arrow or some other weapon and then taking them away, Paola Hawa, mayor of Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue, told CBC'sDaybreak.

According to the mayor, the issue came to light after a witness reportedanencounter withhunters, who claimed they were culling the deer population on behalf of Quebecs ministry of natural resources and wildlife.

However, the ministry says it is unaware of any specialpermits issued to anyone to hunt deer because of anoverpopulation problem at L'Anse L'OrmeNature Park.

It says hunting season in Quebec is in the falland people needspecific permits to hunt deer.

Ste-Anne-de Bellevue city council tabled a motion on Monday to amend a nuisance bylaw that prohibits any trapping activities, except those carried out by the city.

Hawa says that fine amount is outdated at $100 for first offence, and $1000 for the second.

She says she will move to change the amount at next council meeting.

Its a strange situation to have on the island of Montreal because you wouldnt expect hunting on the island, but obviously some people think they can do what they wish, said Hawa.

Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue'sdeer population stood at about 55the last time an aerial survey was conducted several years ago, according to Hawa.

She saidpoaching is a difficult issue to tacklebecause, when weapons are involved, Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue city hall doesn't have the authority to prosecute.

Montreal police, Hawasaid, areaware of the situation.

Theres not much we can do besides asking residentsto keep their eyes open and call the police if they do witness any of it, said Hawa.