The FWCA's stated purpose is…

The FWCA's stated purpose is to ensure the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of fish and wildlife in Ontario. It provides the legal framework for regulating activities related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and the protection of species at risk. Train and trial areas in Ontario are in direct conflict with the FWCA. There are a number of concerns raised by train and trial areas which I will outline below.

Cruelty and unnecessary suffering: Training dogs to hunt wildlife can lead to unnecessary suffering and cruelty towards the targeted animals. The use of dogs can result in injuries, stress, and often death for the wildlife being pursued. This goes against the principle of minimizing harm to animals and treating them with respect.

Conservation concerns: While proponents of such areas argue that hunting can help manage wildlife populations, it's important to consider the potential negative impact on conservation efforts. Training dogs to hunt wildlife in dedicated areas might disrupt natural habitats and alter the balance of ecosystems. This can have unintended consequences, including potential declines in specific species or imbalances within local wildlife populations.

Lack of fair chase: The concept of "fair chase" is central to ethical hunting practices. It promotes the idea that hunting should involve a fair and reasonable pursuit, providing animals with a reasonable chance to escape. In dedicated training areas, where animals may be confined or have limited escape options, the concept of fair chase may be compromised.

Species preservation: Some wildlife species may be endangered, threatened, or protected by law. Training dogs to hunt these species, even in dedicated areas, could contribute to their further decline and jeopardize efforts to protect and preserve their populations.

Alternatives for training: With advancements in technology and training methods, there are alternative ways to train hunting dogs that do not involve live wildlife. Artificial scents, training aids, and simulated scenarios can be used instead, minimizing the harm inflicted on animals while still preparing dogs for hunting activities.

Public perception and reputation: The existence of dedicated training areas for hunting dogs can generate negative public perception, leading to reputational risks for hunting communities. It may reinforce negative stereotypes associated with hunting practices and make it harder to promote responsible and ethical hunting as a legitimate activity.

Focus on non-consumptive wildlife activities: Encouraging alternatives to hunting, such as wildlife photography, birdwatching, or nature observation, can provide enjoyment and connection with nature without causing harm to animals. Promoting these non-consumptive activities aligns with the principles of wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

In summary, arguments against the legality and ethics of "train and trial" areas in Ontario for training dogs to hunt wildlife revolve around concerns of animal cruelty, conservation implications, fair chase principles, species preservation, availability of alternative training methods, public perception, and promoting non-consumptive wildlife activities as alternatives.