A young cougar was found in Port Alberni, Vancouver, with a suspected gunshot wound to its leg and chest – its body broken, bleeding, and beyond saving. Provincial officials had no choice but to euthanize the suffering animal. Now, the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) is investigating who did this, and they need public pressure and support to ensure accountability.
While cougar hunting is legal under tightly regulated conditions in British Columbia, this case appears to violate multiple laws. The shooter did not report the incident as required, suggesting a potential breach of the BC Wildlife Act. Whoever pulled the trigger left an injured, terrified animal to suffer and die – a horrifying act of cruelty that cannot be ignored.
Sign the petition to demand that BC authorities find and prosecute whoever shot this young cougar, and strengthen wildlife protection enforcement to prevent more suffering.
The cougar had been seen by residents in recent weeks, limping through the area – a haunting sign of what it endured. Wild animals like this one are vital to our ecosystems and deserve respect and humane treatment. Allowing this cruelty to go unpunished sends a dangerous message that violence against wildlife will be tolerated.
The BCCOS is calling for anyone with information to come forward, but they also need public backing to prioritize this investigation and ensure justice is served.
Sign now to urge the BC Conservation Officer Service and the Government of British Columbia to find the person responsible and hold them fully accountable under the law.
