Hunters: Dogs need to hunt

SAYING that their dogs will be affected, hunters are now up in arms as they are calling for the government to reconsider the move to cancel the hunting season as a precaution against the spread of covid19.

They said not only will their livelihoods be affected, but their dogs will also suffer as a result of lack of exercise.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries announced on Wednesday that amendments have been made to the Conservation of Wildlife Act which bans all forms of hunting, be it on state or private land, and also bans the possession of wildmeat even on or after October 1, when the hunting season was expected to start.

The ministry said wildlife hunting encourages congregation in contravention of the covid19 public health regulations, which limits public gatherings to no more than five people.

Couva hunter Satesh Baboolal, who owns 26 hunting dogs, said if his dogs are not allowed to hunt they would become aggravated and make a lot of noise.

“I live in a residential area, so this is going to be hard for me. What must I do with my 26 dogs now?”

He said the dogs are meant to hunt. “This is what they are bred for, we can’t change that. I am really hoping that they reconsider this move.”

Lawrence Bharose of Penal said he has been a hunter for the last ten years. “I am really concerned about my animals as well as for other hunters. This is their livelihood. How will they provide for their families?”

Vishram Sookram said it was unfair that other sports were allowed to continue.

“There is no contact (with other people) with hunting. If we are hunting in the forest and we are in camps, there is a limit of five people, and when we are hunting were are separated in the forest. So I don’t see why they are using the excuse as precautionary measures against covid19.