A proposal to expand the…

A proposal to expand the number of locations and licensees for dog train/trial activities is currently under review by the Ontario government. This proposal is aimed toward enhancing hunting-related options and is supported by MNRF. I am extremely disappointed that this proposal has been made and appears to be promoted by the Ministry whose fundamental job is to regulate and protect wildlife from exploitation. This proposal is abusive and gives hunters and their hunting dogs increased opportunities to threaten, injure and kill captive wildlife. They already have way too much freedom to harm animals, birds and fish without any real accountability or consequences. They represent a very narrow special interest group whose opinions and preferences should not be allowed to direct public policy.

I do my best to provide safe havens for wildlife on my 3 properties in Ontario. I post No Hunting, Trapping or Trespassing signs, and I have no qualms about contacting the authorities when these warnings are not respected or when I become aware of illegal hunting or trapping in my areas. I certainly do not want any further encouragement of hunting, especially of animals trapped by fencing without avenues of escape from dogs and people with guns and bows.

I believe that this proposal should be rejected without any further review. It is not in the best interests or ethical principles of the general population of Ontario. It disrespects and harms wildlife - as well as the rabbits purchased from commercial sources. I do not want such a facility in my neighborhood, and I do not want living creatures to pay the price because a small number of individuals enjoy frightening and harming wild animals