Having witnessed train and…

Having witnessed train and trial / penned coyote hunts directly, I would like to voice my disapproval of any plans to re-open licensing opportunities for new train and trial areas. Not only do I ask for the committee to leave the ban on penned hunting in place, but to also shut down any remaining train and trial areas in Ontario, including the infamous pen in Seeley's Bay.

This province-wide step to ban these "train and trial" was an important move toward ending a violent relic of colonialism. I've seen dogs injured from being made to run the dangerous terrain. I've seen coyotes running for their lives and injured or killed by dogs and humans. I've seen these "hunters" boast about how "bloodthirsty" their dogs are and encourage them to rip apart their wild counterparts.

This ban was put in place in 1997 and was rightly supported by OFAH at the time. I'm appalled that we are considerating taking such a disappointing step backwards. As a proud lover of the outdoors, this is no "fair hunt". This is a lazy blood sport that gives out cash prizes for the dogs who can best terrorize captive coyotes with nowhere to hide. It is dog fighting under the pretext of (colonial) heritage that should be abolished for good.

I will absolutely be considering this when I next cast my vote in our provincial election.