JACKSON, OH – Wildlife officers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife today filed 14 charges in Jackson County Municipal Court against two local men accused of poisoning more than 500 birds and animals last November.

Harlan "Slim" Campbell and Paul E. Riegel, both of Jackson, are charged with 475 counts of illegally taking wildlife. The incident stems from the November 1999 poisoning of numerous waterfowl (85 Canada geese), migratory birds (357 mourning doves), and wildlife (13 songbirds, 19 crows and 1 raccoon) in a 200-acre field near the city of Jackson.

Campbell and Riegel are scheduled to appear before Judge Marshall B. Douthett to answer to the charges.

According to wildlife officials, a chemical was used to contaminate corn that was broadcast over the field and consumed by the fowl and other wildlife.

"Many hours of hard work have been expended by wildlife personnel in bringing this case before the court," said Michael Taylor, Division of Wildlife District Four law enforcement supervisor. "We are asking that this crime be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, due to its significant impact on local wildlife and the importance this case holds for all the sportsmen and women of Ohio," he said.

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