Historically, human “management” of wildlife has involved culling (killing) animals that have been deemed to be in conflict with human activities (such as agriculture) or causing a threat to another wild population’s viability, such as with wolves and caribou. Culling is unnecessary. Alternative methods to avoid animal/human conflict and to prevent significant danger to humans and/or other animals include:
- Humane deterrents (e.g. motion-sensitive sprinklers)
- Non-contact hazing (e.g. shouting, making noise/scents to ensure an animal leaves an area)
- Anti-feeding bylaws
- Road signage
- Contraception and translocation carried out by trained professionals with appropriate authority
Wildlife also face significant welfare consequences as a result of the wildlife trade. Live animals and the bodies of deceased animals are traded internationally. The risk of disease transfer between species, including from animals to humans, is high. Additionally, being kept in cages and transport for long hours leads to significant levels of animal distress.
What we are doing about it
Federal wildlife trade
Learn about the gaps in the wildlife trade at the national level and sign our campaign to federal ministers, asking them to improve laws and increase enforcement.
Latest news
Canada needs to take the threat of disease from wildlife seriously
Article originally published in The Province. Despite calls from experts to take action against the global wildlife trade, which scientists believe is a likely source of COVID-19, the response from national governments has been muted and mixed, with virtual silence from Canada. That’s a shame, as there is plenty Canada could do to improve our own safeguards against…
Invite elephants and gorillas into your living room
Vancouver – Finding things to do for kids can be a challenge for parents in these days of social distancing. The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is offering help with a new wildlife resource guide that allows families to visit gorillas in the jungle and whales at the bottom of the sea with just a click…
We can’t afford to ignore the deadly wildlife trade
Article originally published on Daily Hive. While the world is understandably preoccupied with the disastrous consequences of COVID-19, the global wildlife trade – the likely cause of the pandemic – is getting less attention. Scientists have raised concerns about the issue for years, but they were ignored. It’s an inescapable fact: we were warned. Back in…
Ask the BC government to do more to combat the cruel and dangerous wildlife trade
VHS is shifting the focus of our campaigns and communications to include the wildlife and exotic pet trade, which has been implicated in the emergence of COVID-19. The emergence of new zoonotic diseases (diseases that spread from animals to humans) has been ignored for far too long, especially its connection to the international wildlife trade…