Archived - Notification of charges laid against Mr. Gang Li under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations

October 9, 2018, Ottawa – On September 25, 2018, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) laid 5 charges under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations against Mr. Gang Li of Guelph, Ontario.

Four of the charges allege that Mr. Li unlawfully imported animal pathogens into Canada, including the Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus, Newcastle Disease Virus, Duck Adenovirus I, and Parainfluenza Virus 5, without a permit contrary to section 51(a) of the Health of Animals Regulations. One charge alleges that Mr. Li failed to present the animal pathogens for inspection, either before or at the time of importation, contrary to section 16(1) of the Health of Animals Act.

Section 16(1) of the Health of Animals Act indicates that:
16 (1) Where a person imports into Canada any animal, animal product, animal byproduct, animal food or veterinary biologic, or any other thing used in respect of animals or contaminated by a disease or toxic substance, the person shall, either before or at the time of importation, present the animal, animal product, animal by-product, animal food, veterinary biologic or other thing to an inspector, officer or customs officer who may inspect it or detain it until it has been inspected or otherwise dealt with by an inspector or officer.

Section 51(a) of the Health of Animals Regulations indicates that:
51(a) \Subject to section 51.2, no person shall, except under and in accordance with a permit issued by the Minister under section 160, import into Canada any
(a) animal pathogen ….

Mr. Li will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, courtroom 206, at 7755 Hurontario Street, located in Brampton, Ontario at 9:00 a.m. on October 10, 2018.

The CFIA is responsible for the administration and enforcement of federal legislation, acts and regulations, including the Health of Animals Act and Regulations. We are dedicated to safeguarding food, animal, and plant health, which enhance the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment, and economy.

CFIA issues notifications of charges laid to inform the public when charges have been laid by CFIA's Enforcement and Investigation Services (EIS). Charges are laid by EIS after the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) decides to prosecute the charges. This notice is part of our commitment to openness and transparency, and ongoing efforts to increase awareness of our role in encouraging compliance with the various acts and regulations. In all cases, the subject of charges is presumed innocent until proven guilty.