The OFAH needs YOUR support!
The MNRF is proposing changes to regulations concerning sporting dog training and trialing areas that include a one-time 90-day application period for licences to establish new training and trialing areas, and to allow for existing licences to be transferrable.
As it stands, the regulations do not allow for issuance of licences for creating new training and trialing areas, or for the transfer of a licence to a new owner/operator. Over time, Ontario hunters and the sporting dog community have been losing access to training and trialing areas, which meant losing a valued tradition and method of creating well-trained dogs for use in various popular hunting pursuits and sporting competitions.
It is important to remember that there are strict regulations in place for the safety and well-being of the wildlife within a training and trialing area. Not only is the health of the wildlife properly managed but escape cover and protections as well as time limits for dogs being within the enclosure are also in place, among other security and care-taking measures.
The proposed amendments wouldcreate new opportunities for people to obtain a licence and open a new training and trialing area, while allowing current licence holders the ability to pass on their licence to someone wanting to take over the business. This means more training and trialing areas will be created and kept running, increasing access to such places for Ontario’s hunting and sporting dog communities, and keeping alive an important component to valued hunting and sporting traditions.
Head to the Environmental Registry website by clicking HERE and submit your comments to show your support before May 18.
Your comment should be written in your own words, but here are some points to consider:
I support ERO #019-3685 Proposal to allow the issuance of licences for new dog train and trial areas and the transfer of licences as written. More training and trialing areas in Ontario will give hunters and sporting dog community members better access to these areas, giving them more opportunities to create well-trained dogs in safely enclosed and regulated areas, ensuring they have the ability to identify the correct game species when it comes to time to hunt.
Furthermore, more training and trialing areas also contribute to local economies where they exist through hunter and competition participant travel and visiting expenses and provide a small business opportunity to people.
Lastly, getting outdoors to train your dog at a training and trialing area is a great way to be active and spend some quality time with your dog, something that can be very beneficial for physical and mental health. Not only is it great for the handler, but being able to give your dog the opportunity to exercise and work on their skills also makes for a happier dog with a higher quality of life.
Training and trialing areas are important to the sporting dog community and to Ontario’s hunting heritage. For these reasons and more, I support the proposal. Thank you for the opportunity to provide my comments.