Hunters and their good…

Hunters and their good friends within the Ministry of Natural Resource always have some "noble" explanation or excuse for killing wild animals that are no danger to them. They claim that they are performing necessary population control, protecting livestock, dealing with nuisance animals, training their dogs, keeping the wilderness safe for visitors, sharing precious family moments together in the fresh air and on and on. But they are not in the business of public service or protection of animals, birds and fish. No, they are simply indulging and entertaining themselves in a cruel and unnecessary hobby - often with the encouragement and support of "authorities" in the provincial government. Thus, we now have a proposal from MNRF to expand the training and trial locations where hunters can set their dogs on penned wildlife and watch their dogs kill frantic trapped animals. Not a pretty picture! Not so noble! Not an activity that most people respect or approve of.

So you tell me. Why has the Ministry forwarded this proposal? What is in it for them and for the rest of us Ontario residents? The awful truth is that the MNRF wants to support hunting and please their hunting constituents and friends at the expense of wildlife and contrary to the clear will of the public. They want to protect their own interest and jobs. This is not acceptable. It is a bad idea politically. It is bad idea morally. It demeans and trivializes the lives of wildlife. It supports a group of people who should be educated and rehabilitated rather than indulged in their cruelty. Do not reward people who enjoy killing. Put this proposal in a locked box in a dark hole.