I do not support the…

I do not support the proposal "Proposal to allow the issuance of licences for new dog train and trial areas and the transfer of licences", ERO number 019-3685. I see nothing in this proposal that will ensure the humane treatment of either dogs or wildlife. I was a resident of rural Eastern Ontario for over 30 years and was appalled at the condition of hunting dogs that traversed our property during hunting season. Malnourished dogs, with no recall showed up many times in the fall, often terrorizing our family livestock and pets, to say nothing of our children. There is nothing in this proposal that will ensure all hunters will properly train their animals, let alone maintain them in a good healthy state. we already have here in Frontenac County a case of a man who abandons his dogs when they no longer suit him. He was not identified by any of his hunting friends, despite local common knowledge that he engaged in these practices. I do not see the need for the government to encourage hunting with dogs when they are not enforcing any standards on their usage.

I am also opposed to the running of packs of dogs in confined areas where animals have no escape. I have witnessed the carnage and destruction when these dogs descend on a prey animal. This is major cruelty and I do not support any government attempt to promote this. I grew up in a family of hunters with a strong ethic for responsible hunting practices. I see very little of this in my area of the province and no encouragement or enforcement from the provincial government for these standards.