While I appreciate the…

While I appreciate the ministry's efforts to ensure proper care for wildlife and to provide opportunities for the training of hunting dogs, I must express my reservations about the proposed changes to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 (FWCA).

Firstly, the proposed changes intend to increase the number of train and trial areas. These enclosures restrict the free movement of wildlife, which is contradictory to the principles of animal welfare and natural behaviours. The animals involved in these trials are subjected to chronic stress, which can result in a variety of physical and psychological problems, including abnormal behaviours and decreased immune function. A study published in "Applied Animal Behaviour Science" in 2016 shows that confinement can induce stress in animals, which can have harmful effects on their health and overall well-being.

Secondly, these train and trial areas may unintentionally promote the view that animals are mere tools for human entertainment, rather than sentient beings deserving of respect and care. Such a perspective can potentially lead to an erosion of empathy for wildlife and disregard for their rights, which goes against the increasing global consciousness towards animal rights and welfare.

Furthermore, the claim that the environmental consequences of the proposal will be neutral seems to lack sufficient evidence. The proposal mentions that coyote, red fox, and rabbits would be sourced sustainably, but it does not account for the potential disruption to local ecosystems. Removing animals from their natural habitats could upset ecological balance, as these species play critical roles in their ecosystems, including controlling rodent populations and contributing to seed dispersal. As the 2019 report in "Science" journal demonstrated, even minor disturbances to ecological systems can have cascading effects that are hard to predict.

In terms of economic consequences, the proposal suggests they would be neutral to positive, but there's a lack of a detailed economic impact analysis. The costs associated with the establishment, maintenance, and regulation of new train and trial areas, as well as potential liability issues arising from accidents or injuries during training or competitions, are not clearly addressed.

Lastly, the proposal seems to overlook alternative, more humane methods of training hunting dogs that do not involve live game. Techniques such as drag hunting, where a scent is laid for dogs to follow, can effectively teach dogs to pick up scent trails and track without subjecting wildlife to stress or harm.

In conclusion, while the proposed changes may appear beneficial on the surface, a deeper examination reveals potential negative implications for animal welfare, environmental health, and societal views on animals. I would urge the ministry to reconsider and explore alternative, more humane and sustainable methods for training hunting dogs.