I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposal to allow new licenses and the transfer of licenses for penned dog hunting areas in Ontario. The cruel and inhumane treatment of wild animals in these facilities for the sake of training dogs to hunt is unacceptable.

It is morally reprehensible to take animals out of their natural habitat and subject them to confinement, stress, and potential harm from hunting dogs. The use of rabbits, coyotes, and foxes as live bait in these facilities is particularly cruel and cannot be justified.

The decision to open applications for train and trial spaces after 25 years is a significant step backward, and the existing 24 facilities in the province need to be closed immediately. These facilities have no place in a society that values animal welfare and conservation efforts.

As responsible stewards of the environment, we have an ethical and moral obligation to protect all animals and their habitats from harm and exploitation. It is crucial to support ethical hunting practices that prioritize animal welfare and conservation efforts.

Therefore, I urge the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to reconsider this proposal and instead focus on protecting our wildlife and preserving the integrity of our natural resources for future generations.