I was completely shocked and…

I was completely shocked and horrified to see that the government of Ontario is considering a plan to reverse the province-wide ban on new "train and trial areas" where hunters participate in the bloodsport of penned dog hunting. Ontario passed a law in 1997 to phase out new penned hunting facilities for important reasons, as such savagery is incredibly cruel to the coyotes, foxes, and rabbits who are used as live bait, run for their lives, cannot escape, and often are ripped apart by the dogs. I can't think of anything more barbaric and vile.

The animals used as bait are usually caught by trappers, sold to be released in these horrific pens, and hunted to death with no way out. Sometimes these animals are bred to die, in that their offspring can be used in these captive hunts.

The hunting dogs -- forced to participate in such violent activities -- also can, and do, suffer from injuries and death. It's not right. It's cruel.

A large majority of Canadians are against hunting animals for sport, as research shows that more than 4 out of 5 Canadians are against it. Also, no other Canadian province allows penned dog hunting; and it's illegal in most of the United States. Why would Ontario want to overturn a ban on this type of abominable animal cruelty? Do you want your province to be known around North America for such savagery, suffering, and death to animals trying to survive in their own homes?

Thus, I strongly urge you to leave the ban on penned hunting in place, and also to shut down any remaining train and trial areas in Ontario. Do better, not worse.