I say no and reject the…

I say no and reject the province’s proposal to allow new licenses for dog hunting pens.

Backgrounder:
Hounding pens are essentially legalized animal cruelty. Dogs are trained in these facilities how to kill coyotes and foxes with their teeth. Outside of these facilities/pens, in the natural environment, multiple dogs at a time are let loose to track and chase down a coyote or fox. The dog behaviour is learned in these training facilities/pens how to track, attack and kill coyotes and foxes. Dogs pursue by running a canid to exhaustion and often viciously mauling them to death.

Trappers can live trap a fox or coyote and sell them to these barbaric pen facilities 365 days a year.

"Hounders" (dog handlers with guns) may shoot the fleeing canid in the side or hip area (these "rot shots" are meant to injure not kill) which causes immense suffering and a blood trail for the dogs in pursuit. Individuals may incite attacks on injured animals as well once the fox/coyote is caught and is surrounded by the dogs. Dogs used to chase down canids are equipped with GPS and shock collars while their handlers track the dogs from their vehicles. Another approach is for the dog handlers to stand along roadways with their weapons waiting for the dogs to flush out the fleeing coyote or fox.

Rabbits are also kept in smaller captive pens to train hunting dogs. These wild (captive) animals are exposed to horrendous stress, injury and constant harassment in these facilities/pens. If they survive, they survive another day only to be tortured again during these "training" sessions. Dog fighting is shunned and illegal, yet our province wants to open up more of these horror compounds and pass on grandfathered licences.

No to this barbaric proposal.