May 17, 2023 To: Ministry of…

May 17, 2023

To: Ministry of Natural Resources

RE: ERO # 019-3685

I take issue with the statement on your website under “Regulatory Impact Analysis” which states: “These species have sustainable populations and there are no concerns with limited take of small numbers for licensed train and trial areas.”

“No concerns” – really??? How about the fact that these wild animals feel fear and pain and are extremely stressed while being trapped, transported and confined in these compounds? How about the fact that they will be killed by dogs, maybe ripped apart while they are still alive for the purpose of training the dogs to do the same thing outside the compound in their natural environment? How about the fact that their offspring may starve to death after their parent has been abducted to be taken to a compound? Do officials at MNR really have “no concerns” about the cruelty to animals that these compounds inflict?

I also note that provincial legislation prohibits citizens from confining a wild animal longer than 24 hours if for ex. they are trying to heal an injured animal. But that same ministry has “no concerns” with trapping and confining wild animals for the purpose of having then chased and killed by dogs because they have “sustainable populations”. So… its ok to confine a wild animal for the purpose of chasing and killing it so dogs are trained to do the same thing to other wild animals in their natural habitat, but it’s not ok for a citizen to confine it for the purpose of healing it? really??? What is the mandate of MNR? I thought it was to protect wildlife and natural resources.

Is there anyone at MNR who actually believes that wild animals have a right to exist in their natural environment and not be intentionally subjected to fear, pain and a horrible death for the enjoyment of a tiny segment of the population who enjoys blood sports?

The vast majority of citizens of this province - including many hunters - find these training compounds unacceptable. It is the duty of our government to uphold democratic values and respect the opinions of the majority rather than pandering to a few proponents of these compounds who are well connected with MNR officials.