I deeply oppose any…

I deeply oppose any amendments to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act that would result in the legalization of penned dog hunting facilities.

Dog train and trial areas are used to fight and bait animals; causing unnecessary suffering, in contravention of the Criminal Code of Canada.

The proposed changes would amount to legalizing dog fighting. When you set dogs on any animal, let alone ones so close in genetics as foxes and coyotes (the 'cousins' of dogs), you are encouraging a blood-lust within them that cannot be reversed, creating an unsafe environment for the wider population, not least due to the type of people that enjoy such brutality.

Setting dogs on captive animals is morally reprehensible, and completely trashes any notion of fair chase in hunting. These poor animals are either trapped first (foxes and coyotes), so are already likely to be injured, or they are practically tame (rabbits). Hunting dogs also get injured in the fights, and are highly unlikely to receive veterinary treatment.

Since 1997, no new facilities have been allowed to open. The fact that 24 facilities that were grandfathered are still in existence is shameful. They should have been shut down. To now, 26 years later, actively encourage the creation of more penned dog facilities, and the transfer of existing licences is reprehensible.

Please consider how this reflects on Ontario, nationally and internationally.

They were phased out for a reason. Our awareness of animal suffering and our impact on the environment has only increased during this time. Why are you regressing?

Even within the hunting community, only a minority support these facilities. Please do not indulge these people.

No animal should have to experience such a terrifying and agonizing death.
No amendments. No state-approval of some of the worst cruelty imaginable.