Comment
I am appalled that this ministry is proposing to amend the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 and associated regulations to allow for the issuance of licenses for new dog train and trial areas, and to allow the transfer of licenses.
Surely in the 21st century, human beings can advance beyond recreational hunting and not partake of activities that cause untold trauma, fear, injury, pain and death to innocent animal life. Humans already have an advantage over the intended prey because of high powered rifles and other killing mechanisms. Humans do not also need tracking dogs.
Recreational hunting and hunting dog competitions are of absolutely no benefit to society at large. Neither benefits the prey that are terrified, killed, or worse still, maimed and left to a painful death hours or days later. With respect to the latter, Some hunters will undoubtedly try to justify tracking dogs by saying that if the hunter did not make a clean kill, the dog(s) will lead the hunter to the wounded animal where it would be "humanely" killed. That argument only deflects from the larger picture. Why does anyone need to partake of recreational hunting in the 21st century? We no longer live in a hunter/gatherer state.
The Regulatory impact analysis is totally silent on the effect of confinement on the wildlife and of the very severe trials the dog training will undoubtedly cause. Society is finally starting to acknowledge what real-life horses, mules, donkeys, dogs, pigeons etc. were exposed to in WWI to benefit humans. Each had no choice in the matter. Let that "enlightenment" make you stop and consider the behaviour the present proposal perpetuates. Not a single coyote, fox, rabbit etc. confined for dog training would have a "choice". How much harm will each confined animal have inflicted upon it? Each deserves to live out its life in a natural state.
I implore you not to proceed with this amendment. Rather, I encourage you to put an end to train and trial areas as soon as possible.
Respectfully submitted
Submitted May 17, 2023 8:21 PM
Comment on
Proposal to allow the issuance of licences for new dog train and trial areas and the transfer of licences
ERO number
019-3685
Comment ID
88929
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status