Ontario Protecting Communities from Unsafe Hunting Practices

Table of Contents

1. Content
2. Related Topics
3. Media Contacts

The Ontario government is safeguarding the public by ensuring unsafe hunting practices do not occur in residential neighbourhoods.

Elie Benzaquen of Ottawa pleaded guilty to two counts of using a firearm carelessly to hunt. He was fined a total of $3,500 plus $880 in victim surcharges and court fees. In addition, Benzaquen forfeited his crossbow and is prohibited from possessing firearms for two years.

The court heard that on October 9, 2024, Benzaquen discharged his crossbow at a raccoon in his urban Ottawa backyard, missed, and caused his bolt to lodge in the ground in a neighbour's backyard. The court also heard that on January 14, 2025, Benzaquen again discharged his crossbow at a raccoon in his backyard, again missing and this time causing a bolt to lodge in a neighbour's rear screen door.

Justice of the Peace Robert H. Lewin heard the case remotely in the Ontario Court of Justice, Ottawa, on April 24, 2025.

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.

Related Topics