Animal rights groups offer reward after skinned beaver carcass found in Richmond

Two animal rights organizations are offering a $1,000 reward for identification and conviction of the person(s) responsible for a skinned beaver found dumped along Richmond’s West Dyke.

According to one of the groups, The Fur Bearers, the skinned beaver carcass was found about 25 metres from where the City of Richmond had previously removed a beaver lodge by Richmond resident Mandy Lichtmann.

“I was horrified to discover the carcass, particularly as two adult beavers and two kits haven’t been seen since the city removed the lodge,” said Lichtmann.

She noted that the area where the beaver was found “is off a walking path heavily used by families, children, and people with pets who are out to enjoy Richmond’s natural beauty and wild inhabitants.”

Now, The Fur-Bearers and a private donor to the Regional Animal Protection Society each put up $500 for the reward.

It is not known if this was the location where the beaver was killed or trapped and if that was done legally, but the disposal of the body in such a way is unlawful. According to the city said it has not trapped or contracted anyone to trap on the West Dyke.

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Eyal Lichtmann, who is Mandy’s husband and CEO of the Regional Animal Protection  Society (RAPS), said that his animal rescue group is contracted by the City to provide humane care for wildlife.

“Justice must be done for this horrific action and perpetrators of such acts should know they will face consequences,” said Eyal.

“We are concerned about this situation and are hoping someone in the community will know what happened and provide valuable insight to investigators,” said  Lesley Fox, executive director of The Fur Bearers. “Anyone with information about this or other unlawful wildlife incidents should contact the BC Conservation Officer Service through their Report All Polluters and Poachers line.”

Tips and information can also be submitted anonymously through the BCCOS’s online portal.