I completely disagree with…

I completely disagree with the proposal put forth by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in Ontario, which would allow for new licenses and transfer of licenses for train and trial areas. This proposal is particularly concerning as it allows for the establishment of penned dog hunting facilities, which are extremely cruel to the wild animals that are used to train dogs to hunt.

It is not right to take wildlife from their natural environments and keep them captive in order to facilitate hunting activities. The use of rabbits, coyotes, and foxes as bait for dog training and competitions is especially cruel and inhumane.

In fact, the opening of applications for new train and trial spaces after a 25-year absence is a significant regression in terms of animal welfare. These types of facilities have no place in Ontario and must not be allowed to proliferate.

Instead of encouraging the establishment of new facilities, the province should focus on closing down the existing 24 facilities immediately. This would send a strong message that animal welfare is a top priority in Ontario and that cruel hunting practices will not be tolerated.