I STRONGLY oppose the…

I STRONGLY oppose the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s proposal to allow new licenses and the transfer of licenses for train and trial areas in Ontario.

25 years ago we realized that this type of training was highly PROBLEMATIC because it subjects prey animals to unnecessary stress and fear. There is no way to police what is taking place and therefore abuses are likely to occur. It is a practice that has absolutely no place in a civilized society. We know this because:

Wildlife should never be taken from their natural environments and held captive by hunters.
Rabbits, coyotes, and foxes are not pawns for hunters to use to train dogs and hold competitions - they are part of the ecosystem and like all mammals they experience complex emotions.
They deserve to be treated with respect. This proposal is not respectful and it is in fact a form of slavery.
Not to mention the risk of zoonotic diseases. Have we learned nothing from the pandemic and what happens when stressed animals are kept in close contact with humans and in confined spaces?
I sincerely hope the MNR is not seriously considering allowing new licenses and the transfer of licenses. It shows a complete disregard for the knowledge we have accumulated, often painfully, about how to live in harmony with the natural world.
Any activities that encourage a lack of empathy and compassion, such as using wild animals for "train and trial areas", is a step backward. Why set the clock back 25 years? Other than to keep a minority of lobbyists happy?

Instead of opening new applications, the province’s existing 24 facilities need to be closed immediately.

Sincerely,
Melissa (not a "city dweller", I live in rural Ontario)