Animal welfare activists are intensifying their call for the prohibition of dog hunting enclosures in Ontario, asserting that a recent investigation, bolstered by concealed camera recordings, has unveiled alleged instances of “cruel” practices within these enclosures, causing harm to both prey and predator.
During June, the Doug Ford administration enacted a comprehensive bill encompassing various provisions, including an expansion of fenced training and trial zones within the province.
Around two decades ago, the Progressive Conservative Mike Harris government halted licensing for such enclosures, yet presently, 24 such facilities remain operational across Ontario.
These enclosures grant hunting dogs the ability to pursue wildlife such as coyotes, foxes, and rabbits within relatively expansive, enclosed spaces. “Coyotes are terrorized by these pursuits, the ordeal of being relentlessly pursued by ravenous dogs,” stated Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal Justice, in conversation with CTV News Toronto.
Animal Justice, a nonprofit organization that advocates for stronger animal protection regulations, conducted its own inquiry into these enclosures earlier this year. An undercover investigator from the organization infiltrated a train-and-trial area in eastern Ontario, revealing a competitive event where multiple hunting dogs were released to chase coyotes in hopes of securing rewards.
Labchuk asserted, “The footage, accounts from whistleblowers, and our comprehensive understanding of pen dog hunting all unequivocally suggest that humane conduct within this context is implausible.”
While the organization usually suggests alternatives, such as enhanced licensing and oversight, they argued that these measures would not rectify the psychological distress inflicted on wildlife or the transportation of animals to these enclosures.
A ministry spokesperson emphasized that conservation officers rigorously inspect training facilities to ensure strict compliance with regulations and are prepared to impose fines when necessary. Melissa Candelaria, in an official statement, stated that the ministry is unable to verify the source of the media content shared, including its origin from licensed train and trial establishments within Ontario.
However, in May, two former Ontario conservation officers revealed to The Canadian Press that legislation governing these training facilities remains challenging to enforce. They disclosed frequent instances of hunters trapping and killing coyotes, advocating for the outright prohibition of these train and trial areas.
The newly enacted legislation by the Progressive Conservatives will terminate the freeze on new licenses, instituting a one-time 90-day window for new applicants to submit requests. Operators will also gain the ability to transfer licenses, a departure from the previous rules.
Kirsten Snoek, a Wildlife Biologist from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), remarked that the conduct and statements depicted in the Animal Justice video necessitate a thorough investigation by law enforcement. She affirmed that disrespectful treatment of game animals or abusive actions towards hunting dogs are exceptions that shouldn’t define hunting as a whole.
Snoek conveyed OFAH’s support for the government’s expansion of licensing for these enclosures while simultaneously urging a bolstering of conservation officer numbers and greater enforcement of train and trial areas.
On the other hand, the Ontario Sporting Dog Association (OSDA) expressed disappointment at the “highly edited video” released by Animal Justice. President John Bell stated that the video inaccurately portrays the sport and its dedication to animal welfare. He clarified that the enclosures are tailored for sporting dog breeds, offering secure environments for scent-tracking training in hunting contexts.
Bell highlighted OSDA’s collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to enhance care standards and operational practices within these facilities.
Advocates of animal welfare contend that dogs can be trained for hunting using scent trails, negating the necessity for live wildlife within enclosures. The ministry has not yet indicated whether it would entertain the notion of a facility ban or the adoption of alternatives to live animals in these enclosures.
