Whitehorse Star & Yukon News, March 28/08
'Conspiracy of silence'...
Animals continue to be exploited in the Yukon in many ways. The resources appear to be abundant for this noble cause.
The Yukon Party election platform included a commitment to strengthen animal protection legislation. Yet their real commitment is clearly to animal exploitation. Government funds support the use and abuse of both wild and domestic animals. And the government does not respond to questions from the public about the rights of animals. Animals continue to be viewed as resources or property, and not viewed as individuals with an inherent right to exist. It’s what we want from animals- not what’s good for the animals- that drives government policy.
Questions have been put forward from the public to the Department of Environment regarding their wildlife management policies and practices. They haven’t responded publicly to any of these questions. For instance, there has been no answer to my questions about the cost to taxpayers of mapping bison locations to help hunters, or the cost of rounding up the elk (open letter, March 14/08). Yet clearly they have resources to put towards many ads in the local papers on how to avoid attracting wildlife into your back yard. (This is the same department that allows trappers to bait their victims!) Could they not dedicate some of their communication resources towards answering people’s questions?
The Department of Education and Yukon teachers have also declined to respond to challenges from the public regarding their pro-Yukon Quest curriculum.
It’s not only the Yukon government that seems to have sworn an oath of secrecy. The Kluane First Nation has not responded to my challenge regarding their practice of selling sheep permits for trophy hunting in the Kluane Game Sanctuary (Star letter Feb 29/08).
Why are the Yukon government and Kluane First Nation not behaving as if they are accountable to the public? They should respond openly and honestly to questions.
Animals are not resources to be exploited. They are sentient beings, and they deserve to be respected as such.
Let them be!
Mike Grieco
Whitehorse YT