§ 5403 - Protection of endangered and threatened species - Vermont Statutes

§ 5403. Protection of endangered and threatened species

(a) Except as authorized under this chapter, a person shall not take, possess or transport wildlife or plants that are members of an endangered or threatened species.

(b) The secretary may, with advice of the endangered species committee, adopt rules for the protection and conservation of endangered and threatened species.

(c) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section with regard to an endangered species shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 on the first offense. For a subsequent conviction the person shall be fined not less than $500.00 nor more than $1,000.00.

(d) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section with regard to a threatened species shall be fined not more than $500.00 on the first offense. For a subsequent conviction the person shall be fined not less than $250.00 nor more than $500.00.

(e) A person who violates a rule of the secretary adopted under subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not more than $500.00.

(f) A person who violates subsection (a) by knowingly injuring a member of a threatened or endangered species may be required by the court to pay restitution of no more than $500.00 for veterinarian costs and related expenses incurred in treating and caring for the injured bird or animal to the person incurring these expenses. (Added 1981, No. 188 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; amended 1985, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1987, No. 216 (Adj. Sess.).)