Editor, The Times:
This is a copy of the letter we have sent to Mary Polak, Minister of Environment –
Environment Minister Mary Polak:
We are writing with regard to the issue of Conservation Officer Bryce Casavant being suspended without pay for saving the lives of two bear cubs in Port Hardy, B.C.
We are ashamed at how wildlife issues are “managed” in this province. We have witnessed too many deaths of wildlife animals at the hands of conservation officers who are acting in accordance with the policies set out by our provincial government. We want you to know that this on-going slaughter is not missed or ignored by us or many other residents of this province.
It is entirely anthropocentric, inhumane and short-sighted to believe that we have the right to exterminate other animals in the name of convenience and economy. Every year hundreds of healthy bears, bear cubs, coyotes, coyote pups, cougars, wolves and so on are killed in our province by this government. We have spoken personally and at length with many conservation officers and have heard all of the justifications and rationales.
We are tired of hearing how these animals are a threat to human safety. It is we humans that are the biggest threat.
We want you to know that we are two citizens of this province who are outraged at your policies and practices. We are disappointed that you would condone the slaughter of these two cubs and the castigation of Officer Casavant. You should be commending Officer Casavant for his forward-thinking, progressive, compassionate refusal to carry out your anthropocentric policies.
We salute Officer Casavant for his courage to stand up for what is right and we believe he should not only be immediately reinstated to his job (with back pay), but that you should promote him to be your consultant and advisor on the humane, sane and compassionate treatment and stewardship of our wildlife brethren.
Sandi Mikuse and Claudette Laffey
Advocates for Urban Wildlife
Kamloops, B.C.