I am entirely opposed to…

I am entirely opposed to recreational hunting (as opposed to subsistence hunting or Indigenous hunting rights). This practice of training dogs with animals bred for this purpose is cruel and inhumane. We should not use animals in this way.

I have had a number of negative experiences with hunting dogs in rural areas of Ontario. Hunting dogs have nearly killed my domestic pets and have run loose on my property. Their owners do not always respect the bylaws and are not always able to control the dogs in a way that respects private property.

Ontario Hunting Regulations state: "Dogs are not permitted to run at large in areas usually inhabited by big game during the closed season. It is your responsibility to ensure your dog does not enter private property that you do not have permission to hunt on or where hunting is prohibited in contravention of the Trespass to Property Act. Hunters are responsible for ensuring their dogs are under their control and that hunting activities are conducted lawfully."

To train dogs for hunting with live game only creates further opportunities for contravention of hunting laws and antagonistic relationships with rural residents.

Dogs trained to chase live game could potentially injure or even kill a small child.

It is horrifying to hear a pack of hunting dogs braying through the forest as they chase down a deer or other game to exhaustion. This is not a respectful way to harvest wild animals.

I have also been told by the local pound that many dogs are abandoned at the end of the hunting season and have to be caught and euthanized.

There are not enough staff available in large hunting areas or Crown Land to monitor and enforce the bylaws that relate to hunting dogs.

Therefore I oppose any expansion of licensing that allows unleashed dogs to learn how to hunt with captive coyotes, foxes and rabbits.