It’s time for an answer.
Steve Thomson, the Minister for Forests, Lands and Natural Resources, has letters on his desk from communities across British Columbia. These municipalities have seen the reality of trapping: the cruelty, the injuries, the deaths. Though they have the ability under the Local Government Act to manage wildlife issues in their communities, municipalities are being told they need permission from the Minister to enact by-laws relating to trapping.
And for two years, they have asked for said permission, and received no definitive response.
We have even gone to great lengths to get the Minister’s attention: we’ve written letters, made phone calls, and even penned this extensive article in the Georgia Straight. But he’s ignored us, too.
So we’re calling on you – animal lovers of British Columbia, Canada, and the world – to help get the voices of the animals heard.
TAKE ACTION
Please contact Minister Steve Thomson (steve.thomson.mla@leg.bc.ca), his official opposition critic Harry Bains (harry.bains.mla@leg.bc.ca), and your local MLA (if you live in BC). Tell them that you, as a voter and a taxpayer, expect them to allow municipalities to protect their residents, pets and wildlife.
SAMPLE LETTER
Minister Thomson,
Several municipalities have requested permission from your office and Ministry to allow enactment of by-laws protecting the residents, pets and wildlife in their communities. For two years, you have failed to take action on this issue. For two years, pets and wild animals have been cruelly injured or killed by traps that are set and left – much like landmines – for whatever may wander into their grasps.
These individual municipalities are speaking on behalf of the majority of their residents; by ignoring their requests, you’re ignoring the collective voice of entire communities.
Please, take time to review the materials, the horrifying stories, photos and videos of animals – sometimes beloved family pets – who have been maimed or killed in traps.
And do the right thing – give municipalities the green light to protect their residents before more families are torn apart.
Your name and address
Please forward any correspondence you receive as part of this campaign to fbd@thefurbearers.com so we can track responses from various MLAs.
Work like our growing Living With Wildlife campaign is only possible with the support of monthly donors. Please consider become a monthly donor – for as little as $5 a month – and help us create a Canada that is truly fur-free.
