As an active participant of…

As an active participant of dog trails in Ontario, I support the amendment of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation 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.

There are currently only a handful of licenced pens that I can travel to in Ontario, most of which are over 200 km away from my home. I more often travel to the USA where, due to their lack of barriers in licencing such as those currently in Ontario, are more accessible. I can’t help but note the small boost in local economies that this amendment would provide.

It is my experience that professional dog trainers and owners alike are greatly concerned about environmental sustainability and animal welfare. It is in our best interest to maintain healthy game populations and optimal conditioning of these animals to allow our dogs to hunt fairly.

On a grander scale, the preservation of land in its natural state would undeniably result in a positive impact and offset carbon emissions.

Participants in this sport are part of a niche group. I don’t expect the impact of this amendment to be colossal or cause any harm once so ever to environmental or animal welfare.