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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The government commissioned report, prepared by former provincial deputy director Bill Munro, would allow for immature bald eagles to be captured from the wild and then used as hunting implements. The capture of wild eagles and Horned owls is considered the first for North America and represents just two of many changes in the report. In total the changes would make falconry in B.C. the least restrictive of any Canadian jurisdiction. “It borders on insane. Just when we thought the ‘leaders’ in Victoria could not be any less respectful of our eco-system and our environment they go and pull this one out of the hat. This is archaic and completely contrary to the protection of these magnificent animals. In what way does this report, and some of its absurd recommendations, do anything to benefit eagles, red tailed hawks or a species such as the Peale’s peregrine falcon - which are vulnerable,” EarthCare executive director Charlie Hodge asks. “Environmentalists and bird lovers around the province are shocked. This is so out there it’s really hard to fathom. It’s contrary to proposed regulations and recommendations under the Federal Species At Risk Act, and will have significant negative impacts on B.C. Wildlife - all for the sake of appeasing a couple hundred hunters. It’s asinine – that’s what it is,” Hodge adds. Other proposed changes in the report include falconers receiving five-year licenses rather than one-year, and that both wild and captive-bred raptors used for falconry be considered ‘domestic’ animals. Falconers would be allowed three such birds each. Most falconers use raptors for hunting of ducks, rabbits and other small game, however, some work their birds in a commercial sense to hunt other ‘problem’ birds from areas such as industrial sites, landfills and airports. “There is a lack of logic in this. Eagles are primarily hunters of fish given any choice – and will not be of great interest to most serious falconers. But such proposed changes will open up all kinds of loopholes and guidelines that eliminate the protection of many animals,” Hodge adds. “This is not a solution report that helps solve a major problem – it is a report creating a major problem.” Hodge encourages residents to phone or fax the provincial government and let the new provincial Minister of Water, Air, and Land Protection, Bill Barisoff, know they are opposed to the report. Contact Bill Barisoff in Penticton at: Contact the Premier's office at: --30-- |
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Canadian EarthCare Society Street Address: |
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EarthCare alarmed at gov't
report recommending use of eagles and other raptors for captive
sport
The
Canadian EarthCare Society is alarmed and disturbed by a report
being considered by the provincial government that recommends deregulating
the ban on eagles, red hawks, merlins and at least two raptor species
considered ‘vulnerable’ - for use in falconry hunting. |