The provincial government has not yet decided whether or not it will investigate an issue regarding an annual coyote hunting contest organized by Belleville’s Chesher’s Outdoor Store.
Animal Justice and other animal rights group have applied to have the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conduct an investigation into the contest contending it’s illegal under the Environmental Bill of Rights.
Previously the groups lost a court challenge against the contest which is held in the winter and offers cash and prizes for the biggest coyotes.
Wednesday the Ministry told Quinte News that although an application to investigate has been received it has not made a decision
Following is the ministry’s response to the Quinte News request:
- The ministry has received an application requesting that the ministry assess alleged contraventions of subsection 11(1) of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 (FWCA) which prohibits hunting for gain, or inducing another person to hunt for gain.
- The ministry has not yet issued a decision to the applicant on the request for an investigation under the Environmental Bill of Rights.
