It is becoming clear to the public that a culture of killing exists within the service; while officers may tell the media that they never want to kill animals, the Preventing and Responding to Conflicts with Large Carnivores policy used by the COS does not at any point require non-lethal measures to be used in conflict. In fact, there is no preventative action required between receiving a conflict call and use of lethal force by officers.
In the Cougar Conflict Response Matrix, officers may “manage” a non-violent potential conflict situation with lethal force, but are not first required to enact preventative measures, work with municipalities or homeowners to address attractants, or utilize non-lethal hazing techniques. The CO could, according to this policy, kill a cougar for day-time sightings with minimal human presence in front-country areas. This policy should state that all non-lethal options are to be exhausted prior to escalation – yet every option is left as discretionary with the use of the word “may.”
We, and our 60,000 plus supporters, respect that there are circumstances in which human safety is prioritized and lethal action required. But as there is no oversight body or independent review process for the Conservation Officer Service, and the decision-making process or prior due diligence is never made public, red flags quickly become raised following questionable actions publicized in the media.
It is time for you to speak up for the wildlife your ministry is tasked with protecting, and represent the people who want more for their environment. Instituting an independent review of policies, and creating a third-party oversight process for when lethal action is taken will show the Conservation Officer Service – and the public – that you know they’re capable of so much more.
I would gladly discuss this matter with you in greater detail at a convenient time for you.
Sincerely,
Lesley Fox
Executive Director
The Fur-Bearers
TAKE ACTION
Tell Minister of Environment Mary Polak (and your own MLA if you're a resident of BC) that you want her to meet with stakeholders – including The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals – to discuss the need to update the conservation officer service. It's easy – just send her a quick letter atmary.polak.mla@leg.bc.ca(andfind your BC MLA by clicking here) using our the wording found above. Remember to forward any correspondence you receive back to us at info@thefurbearers.com!
WRITING TIPS
Stay on point:this issue is about theproposal to increase the influence of consumptive wildlife users in management policies – not anything else. Keep your comments directed to the facts and provide citations if necessary.
Stay polite and use spell check:if you’re rude, aggressive, misspell words, or use incorrect grammar, readers may become disengaged or dismissive of your points.
Provide solutions:rather than just say what’s wrong, say what’s right. Offer solutions or alternatives to help move forward conversations.
Identify yourself:it’s important to include your address when writing politicians so they know who you are, where you’re from, and that your vote will affect them in the next election.
Let us know what you hear:if you receive a message back from your representative, or they would like to discuss the issues in greater detail with us, please let us know by emailing fbd@thefurbearers.com.
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