Some time ago I wrote a letter about how the way we treat animals reflects who we are and how a great country should show respect for nature and all forms of life. The government reacted strongly and quickly to the recent episodes of animal cruelty, however, as mentioned in an excellent article I read recently, the same treatment is not granted to wildlife in B.C., which, in spite of years of strong opposition from the public, the scientific community and environmental organizations, is still being killed or injured for sport and trophy purposes, causing a lot of suffering.
Hunters represent only two per cent of the population in B.C. If such a tiny minority and the related industry with its vested interests take the precedence over the opinion and concerns of a huge number of British Columbians who oppose trophy hunting, what can honestly be said of democracy in this province? The “Best Place on Earth” cannot possibly be credible presenting itself as such to the international community without the appropriate legislation to protect and honour wildlife and domestic animals.
I can’t think of anything more cruel, barbaric and incompatible with a modern civilized community than chasing and shooting innocent wild animals in their habitat for trophy and entertainment purposes giving them no chance to fight for their lives.
I call for a referendum to give the people of B.C. the power to put an end to this shameful practice once and for all. How does this behaviour compare to culling hundreds of deer, rabbits, geese or anything else that humans decide to target? If the people of B.C. demand the appropriate changes to animal rights legislation, those innocent sled dogs will not have died in vain.
Nabhraj Spogliarich
Saanich