I’m writing to express my…

I’m writing to express my concern regarding the proposed amendment of the Fish and Wildlife Act 1997, and associated regulations, to allow for the issuance of licences of new dog train and trial areas, and to allow the transfer of licences.

I have several concerns regarding the welfare of the captive wildlife used for this outdated practice. The act of trapping a wild animal causes both psychological and physical trauma. All wild animals experience a heightened state of stress when restrained, and putting them through this harmful process to then be confined as a dog training tool is extremely primitive. We would never allow a similar practice if it involved domestic species being the training tool, so why should it be any different with wildlife? All animals are sentient beings with the capacity to feel pain, fear, and stress. This leads to decreased health and it lowers the quality of life that every animal deserves.

Once confined to a pen, a wild animal is no longer able to exhibit their natural behaviours such as breeding, socializing, foraging, and creating a suitable home. Taking this away deprives them of everything they know. Wild animals each have an important ecological role to play as well. It’s true that the species used in this practice (the cottontail, snowshoe hare, fox, and coyote) are stable in population numbers, however that does not mean that they should be treated as a resource to be exploited and used essentially as a toy. They should have the freedom to fulfill their natural life in the wild.

The proposal to grow this practice in Ontario is incredibly disheartening, and is a severe setback for animal welfare. I understand that some humans enjoy hunting as a leisurely activity but the train and trial method is inflicting unnecessary harm on sentient beings. Hunting dogs do not need to train with live prey. Please take a moment to consider the well-being of the wildlife, just as we consider the well-being of our domestic animals at home. A life is a life no matter the species.

Kind regards.