Essex man fined $1,000 for harassing and attempting to injure Canada Geese

An Essex man has been fined $1,000 for the several violations against Canada Geese in Lakeshore.

Joseph Brugge of Essex pleaded guilty to capturing, harassing and attempting to injure Canada geese under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act.

He was ordered to pay Ducks Unlimited Canada $1,000 to support migratory bird management, habitat enhancement or protection near the location where the offence was committed.

The Ontario Court of Justice heard that on May 23, 2025, conservation officers were contacted by the OPP to assist with an investigation involving Brugge harassing Canada geese.

With help from the public, a conservation officer was able to determine that while Brugge was at the Belle River Marina.

He caught a Canada goose gosling and attempted to injure adult geese by throwing large rocks and swatting at them with his hands, according to a news release from the ministry.

Canada geese are federally protected migratory birds, and the public is not permitted to catch them with their hands or attempt to injure them.

Justice of the Peace David M. Horton heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Windsor, on Feb. 2, 2026.

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. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/MNRTips.