Wildlife

There are few wild animal species in Canada that are not currently being decimated by hunting, trapping, or the destruction of their habitats. But while many environmental groups oppose the killing of wild animals when it poses a direct conservation threat, there are few organizations that advocate for the individual wild animal.

GAN believes that wild animals, like all animals, have the right to live their lives free of exploitation and suffering. Without human interference, animal populations retain a balance in harmony with their environment. Conversely, trapping and hunting cause instability in animal populations, and often lead to the endangerment or extinction of animal species.

Wild animals experience pain, fear, and suffering in exactly the same way that all animals do. But there are few laws in this country that prohibit even the most brutal treatment of wild animals. Harp and hooded seals are routinely skinned alive during the Canadian seal hunt, and millions of other furbearing animals continue to be caught in barbaric leg-hold traps (a device that has been banned in more than 69 countries). Trophy "hunters" indescriminantly kill millions of animals each year with crossbows, spears, guns, and other weapons, leaving many escaped and wounded animals to die slowly.

Please take a few minutes to learn about the challenges faced by wildlife in Canada, and our campaigns to protect wild animals and their habitats.