I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong oppposition to the hunting and killing of the double-crested cormorants in Ontario.

First, I do not believe that wildlife experts were sufficiently and properly consulted under this proposal for Ontarians to truely understand the true nature and the consequences of such an act. This proposal seems to me a political move to please certain constituents, not for the greater good of humanity.

Secondly. I object to the government deciding which animal should live or die on a human and moral ground. I feel it is a total abdication of the government's responsibility to turn to ordinary citizen to try and control other beings deemed "undesirable". We have a responsibility to protect all animals species, regardless of our human bias or desire to control what is acceptable when it comes to nature. The natural environment if not ours to decimate at will to please cottage owners or rich boaters on Ontario lakes.

Third. I do not believe that most of the 50 animals per hunter would be consumed. My understanding is that the meat is not palatable. The birds will be left to waste after being killed and more likely maimed and left to die a painful death.

Fourth. Although we would like to believe that most hunters would kill the birds instantly, the reality is that the use of shotguns or single bullet rifles will only wound most of the animals and would be unretreavable in the water or islands.

Fifth. I don't think that hunters will be willing to spend a lot of money on permits, rifle, bullets, boats, gasoline, etc. To hunt cormorants. They are more likely to just kill the ones they see close to their waterfront property and be done with it. Who is going to check to see if the law was followed?

Sixth. How is the government of Ontario going to make sure the law is enforced and environmental regulation followed? Will the government police the shore lakes for months?

Seventh. Nature has its own way of regulating overpopulation. Usually, diseases will reduce animal population in the wild. No need to for humans to intervene. Dead trees and unsightly areas caused by bird feces does not justify a decision to kill these birds or any animals.