A lawyer’s letter warning about potential deer hunting liability has been sent to Pelham, Thorold, St. Catharines and Niagara Regional councillors and mayors.
Camille Labchuk, representing Dr. Craig and Robin Zavitz of Roland Road and the Shorthills Wildlife Alliance, said his clients have serious concerns with the ongoing hunting of deer in Short Hills Provincial Park.
Based on an agreement between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Haudenosaunee First Nation, bow and arrow hunts began at the end of November continued last Friday and Saturday as well as the weekend of Dec. 6-7. The hunts stem from recognition of aboriginal and treaty rights.
The MNR closes Short Hills Provincial Park during the hunts and MNR staff patrol the entrances.
The Zavitz’s, who live beside the park, said they had intrusions into their property during a similar hunt last year.
“We are gravely concerned that there is insufficient and haphazard oversight of the Short Hills deer hunt by the Ministry of Natural Resources,” they say in the letter to town council. “We fear for the risk the Short Hills deer hunt poses to public safety in the community.”
In the letter, the lawyer said Pelham has an obligation to ensure the safety of residents.
“If hunters or their arrows escape the hunt zone and reach your municipality, causing harm to residents or damage or trespass to their property, you may face legal consequences.”
Pelham town council received the letter for information at its meeting. Previously it has opposed deer hunting in the park, which is partially within the town.
Thus far, no incidents have been reported during the four hunting days this year. Officials say protestors weren’t vocal in any Pelham locations and word of mouth helped prevent unknown visitors from heading to the park on days of the deer hunt.
Shorthills will once again be closed on Dec. 6 and 7 in the final hunt of 2014.
