Wildlife
Contact Jeremy Hanley, Livestock Valuer
Phone: 519-270-8618
The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program (OWDCP)
OWDCP provides compensation to eligible producers whose livestock and/or poultry have been injured or killed as a result of wildlife predation or whose bee colonies, beehives and/or beehive-related equipment has been damaged as a result of wildlife predation.
OMAFRA maintains its commitment to supporting industry growth and market competitiveness by limiting financial hardship to Ontario producers who have experienced loss or damages due to wildlife predation.
OMAFRA maintains its commitment to supporting industry growth and market competitiveness by limiting financial hardship to Ontario producers who have experienced loss or damages due to wildlife predation.
Click here for the Livestock & Poultry Owners Guide on how to apply.
HOW IT WORKS
1. DISCOVER
Owner informs the municipality within 48 hours of discovery if predation is believed to be the cause of injury or death and sufficient evidence exists.
2. NOTIFY
Municipality must immediately inform the investigator.
3. INVESTIGATE & DOCUMENT
Investigator is required to conduct a thorough investigation within 72 hours of being notified. The investigation must ensure all relevant evidence is documented through detailed colour photos and a completed application form.
4. SUBMIT
Investigator must submit a completed application to the municipality within 7 business days of conducting the investigation. The owner can also submit additional evidence that may be relevant (e.g. registration documents or photos) to the municipality within 7 business days of the on-site investigation.
5. APPLY
Municipality must submit the complete application to OMAFRA, along with any additional evidence provided by the owner, within 7 business days of the on-site investigation.
6. ASSESS & ASSIGN COMPENSATION
OMAFRA will review the application for completeness and eligibility. Compensation will be assigned and the owner will be informed of the decision within 30 business days of submitting a complete application.
7. ACCEPT OR APPEAL
Owner has 20 business days to appeal the outcome of their application.
8. PAY
If no appeal is requested within 20 business days of the decision letter being issued, OMAFRA will notify the municipality that payment must be issued to the owner immediately.
9. REIMBURSE
OMAFRA will provide reimbursement to municipalities equal to the value assigned in the decision letter. Additional compensation will be provided to the municipalities to assist with administrative costs associated with the program.
For more information on the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program visit: ontario.ca/predation
Related Downloads
General Documents
- Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program Overview (240 KB)
- Ontario's Wildlife Damage Compensation Program (792 KB)
A guide for livestock & poultry owners. - Wildlife Facts (80 KB)
Related Links
- Predation and Wildlife Damage
- Prevent bear encounters (Bear Wise)
How you and your community can prevent and report encounters with black bears.