Media Releases

Animal Justice Opposes Spring Bear Hunt

Animal Justice Canada has made a submission to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) recommending against moving forward with plans to reinstate a spring bear hunt in Northern Ontario by amending the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act Regulations to establish an open hunting season for black bears from May 1st to June 15th.

“The spring bear hunt was ended in 1999 because of the cruelty that it inflicts on young cubs that suffer and die when orphaned by hunters. Not only does a spring bear hunt lead to inexcusable cruelty, it is ineffective in reducing incidences of human-bear conflict,” said Nick Wright, Executive Director of Animal Justice Canada.

The Animal Justice submission outlines why a spring bear hunt does not reduce “nuisance bear” interactions and why it will have tragic effects from an animal welfare perspective. It also recommends non-violent solutions to human-bear conflict including transitioning from reactive to proactive methods of food attractant management and developing bear education programs.

The submission was made in response to a MNR comment period on the proposed regulatory amendments. A copy of the submission is available for download HERE.

Animal Justice Canada is an incorporated Registered Charity dedicated to advancing public knowledge of animal practices and preventing the abuse and killing of animals through the enforcement of existing laws.

Tax-deductible donations can be made on the website using credit card or PayPal at https://animaljustice.ca/donate or by contacting the organization to make alternative arrangements at [email protected].