Abbotsford, B.C., man guilty of trafficking in bear parts receives minimum fine

An Abbotsford, B.C., man recently pleaded guilty to charges under the Wildlife Act after being caught in a sting operation buying black bear paws and kneecaps. Hong Tao Yang, 52, faced five initial counts but ultimately plead guilty to two charges of trafficking in bear paws and one charge of trafficking in wildlife meat. The other two charges were dropped, and Yang was fined $8,625, the minimum penalty for the three offenses, with 18 months to pay.

The case unfolded in early 2022 when the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) received a tip about an employee at a Maple Ridge scrapyard looking to purchase black bear parts. After identifying Yang as the suspect, an undercover officer posed as a hunter to establish a connection with him.

In a carefully orchestrated operation, the undercover officer sold Yang four black bear paws for $100 on October 27, 2022, and later included bear kneecaps in subsequent transactions. Yang purchased additional bear parts on May 25, 2023, and October 5, 2023, leading to his arrest.

While Yang claimed he acquired the bear paws and kneecaps for personal use based on Chinese cultural beliefs in their medicinal value, the court emphasized the seriousness of his actions. Despite not engaging in poaching or profiting from the sales, Yang contributed to the illegal wildlife meat trade, prompting Judge Nicholas Preovolos to stress the gravity of the situation.

Jordan Ferguson of the COS highlighted the importance of public awareness surrounding cases like Yang’s, emphasizing that possession of such wildlife parts, even for personal consumption, is illegal and can fuel a detrimental market affecting animal populations. Despite Yang’s plea for reduced fines citing financial hardships, the court found his substantial net worth, primarily from owning a property in Abbotsford, did not warrant a decrease in penalties.

The case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences and ethical considerations surrounding the trafficking of wildlife parts, even for cultural or personal reasons. By upholding wildlife protection laws and holding individuals accountable, authorities aim to deter further illegal activities that threaten animal populations and ecosystems.