From Harvie Morrow South Island Vice President, New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Inc.

It is with a great feeling of powerlessness that I heard the plight of one Seeing Eye dog, removed from Tongariro National Park with the symptoms of 1080 poisoning.

Just what is an acceptable risk to New Zealanders, their Visitors, and their pets (in this case an invaluable companion) in the eyes of the Department of Conservation and their cronies? There is considerable evidence to suggest that the risks posed by this activity are unacceptable to society, both New Zealand and International.

How are we, as a people, to prevent this kind of incident being repeated? We have to force our Government to relinquish its grip on Executive Power long enough for us to have a say in the matters affecting the livelihoods of our people, their Visitors and their valuable helpers.

The process we have been provided with, the Environmental Risk Management Authority, is being severely restricted in its ability to hear our concerns, and act upon them. The excuse for this is restriction is a lack of statutory backing from the Government.

To all Members of Parliament, you have the duty to be the voice of the people, how can you stand idly by and let this travesty continue. Shame on you!

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