Dear Premier Graham,
My aunt forwarded me a remarkable story about how a little 1 pound fawn was saved in England. Stories like this touch our hearts, and give us some faith that not everyone in the human race is out to destroy wildlife.
Things like this happen in New Brunswick too, and we’ve had the Atlantic Wildlife Institute (AWI) there for us to take care of the animals who cannot fend for themselves. It would be a massive tragedy if the AWI had to close its doors. They take care of thousands of unfortunate animals every year.
As a resident of the province of New Brunswick, and in the interest of public health and safety, we do not need injured and sick animals wandering freely to be discovered by people out hiking, especially our children, who’s natural instinct is to help. In their helping, they may either injure themselves or the poor animals further.
I demand that our government, along with the Department of Natural Resources come up with a financial solution to assist the AWI in staying open and continuing their work.
When discussing operations with Barry Rothfuss and Pam Novak this spring, they told me that 80% of their referrals of animals in crisis come from the Department of Natural Resources. Is it only sensible, natural and necessary that this department and our government support their work financially.
Thank you for your time and urgent attention to this matter.