Toronto man fined $8,500 for shooting at a moose in the middle of the road

A Toronto man has been fined for firing a high-powered rifle at a bull moose he spotted on the road in northwestern Ontario.

Constantino Pereira of Toronto pleaded guilty to careless use of a firearm and received an $8,500 fine and a two-year hunting licence suspension.

Pereira is also required to complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course before being able to purchase another hunting licence.

Conservation officers determined that on Oct. 8, 2022, Pereira was driving on the Chukuni Road south of Red Lake when he saw a bull moose standing on the road.

“Pereira discharged his high-powered rifle at the bull moose while he and the moose were standing on the road,” the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said in a news release Friday.

Justice of the Peace Geordie McEwen heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Red Lake on May 8.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, click here.