I am a wildlife artist and…

I am a wildlife artist and deeply love and respect our Ontario wildlife. I strongly oppose the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s proposal to allow new licenses, and the transfer of existing licenses, for dog train and trial areas in Ontario.
Penned dog hunting facilities are very cruel to the wild animals used to train dogs to hunt.
Wildlife should never be taken from their natural environments and held captive by hunters.
It is inhumane to use rabbits, coyotes, and foxes as bait to train dogs. I can't believe this actually is allowed. There are wildlife rehabilitation centres near where I live that dedicate their time to saving wildlife and people here really love and respect these places. We are teaching our children to respect wildlife as they are part of our environment and can feel pain and have emotions like we do.
New licenses for dog train and trial facilities are a huge step backward for society. These facilities have no place in Ontario.
Instead of allowing new applications, the province’s existing 24 facilities need to be closed immediately.
I am so upset by this and hope you will listen to all who oppose this .