I am writing to ask you to…

I am writing to ask you to say no to the inclusion of dog trial and train areas in Bill 91.

Bill 91, currently before the legislature for third reading, would allow new and the sale/trade of existing licenses for dog trial and train areas (or penned dog hunting facilities). This section of the legislation proposes to allow an unethical, inherently inhumane practice to grow: the capture of wild foxes and coyotes and purchased rabbits to be kept captive so dogs may be trained to hunt them.

Wildlife should never be taken from their natural environments and held captive by hunters. The use of wild animals for bait to train hunting dogs is deplorable. Such activities and facilities also go against the doctrine of holding wildlife in trust for the public; to allow a special interest group to influence policy regarding wildlife and their use is an affront to this doctrine and may erode trust in government to act impartially, and for the benefit of all residents.

Further, this matter is working its way through the Environmental Registry of Ontario, and passing legislation that includes a policy still up for public consultation will erode trust in government officials and processes.

I am calling on you to say NO to Bill 91 and see the dog trial and train areas portion of this legislation removed. I look forward to your response confirming you will not allow this unethical, inherently inhumane portion of legislation move forward.