I don't support the…

I don't support the following proposed changes: the sale of raw beaver castoreum; reduced reporting requirements for licensed fur dealers; permitting trappers to use pistols after dark; other expanded killing methods; or permit trapping of beavers on Crown land during the closed season.

Laws around trapping need to prioritize animal welfare and should be informed by current, peer-reviewed science, and I don't see this reflected in the changes proposed.

Beavers are keystone species that create wetlands, support biodiversity, and regulate water systems. Policies should safeguard habitats on Crown and private lands from increased or indiscriminate trapping, especially during the closed season. Small financial gains for the fur trade should never come at the expense of animal protection, public safety, or ecological health.

Strong reporting and regulatory oversight are essential to ensure that trapping practices comply with required standards. The government must provide full scientific documentation, environmental impact assessments, and data to support its claims. It should also consider extending the public comment period to allow stakeholders time to review this information and provide informed feedback.