Court decision sets precedent on furry animals

In a precedent-setting decision, a British Columbia court ruled that a wildlife officer had the authority to kill a black bear cub because it was apparently orphaned and he didn’t believe it was a suitable candidate for captive rearing. The court dismissed a petition brought against the officer by the Association for the Protection of Fur-bearing Animals. That petition stated that he didn’t have authority under the Wildlife Act to kill the bear, because the animal was not an active threat. But according to the province, the officer was exercising his discretion.