Two Quebec men appear in court for killing animals at safari park

Gatineau, Cue. – Two Quebec men charged with trespassing on a safari zoo and killing three wild boars and his elk are scheduled to appear in court today in Gatineau, Quebec.

Mathieu Godard, 47, and Jeremiah Matthias Polson, 21, were arrested on November 10 at the Omega Zoo, about 130 kilometers northwest of Montreal, after four animals were found in their vehicle, state police said. A corpse is believed to have been found.

The two were charged with willfully killing an animal kept for lawful purposes, trespassing and trespassing, illegally transporting a firearm, and illegally firing a firearm while trespassing and trespassing. it was done.

Godard was conditionally released on Monday and was forbidden to go to the zoo in Montebello, Quebec, communicate with Matthias Polson, carry a firearm, or take drugs or alcohol.

Mathias-Polson was on probation at the time of his arrest and remains in custody.

Omega Park spokesperson Billy Prisca Giraud said in a recent news release that customers at the park are safe and that the incident was an “isolated incident.”

“We have made all necessary efforts for the safety of everyone and the safety of our precious animals to ensure that a situation like this never happens again,” Giroud said.

According to his social media accounts, Godard is a professional hunting guide. He declined a request for comment.

State Police spokesperson Mark Tessier said in a recent interview that park security called 911 around 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 after they noticed the break-in.

“After a few minutes, security heard a sound that resembled gunshots,” Tessier said. “Police soon arrived, found the car and intercepted it. Both men were arrested. Police found four animal corpses in the car.”

This report by the Canadian Press was first published on November 18, 2022.

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This article was produced with financial support from the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

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