Quebec crow-hunting tournament sparks controversy with SPCA criticism

The Montreal SPCA has criticized an upcoming crow-hunting tournament near Quebec City, claiming it is inappropriate for the province. The event, organized by a local hunting association, will take place on Saturday, March 22, where hunters will compete to kill the most crows before weighing them in for a prize. In a statement, the Montreal SPCA expressed its opposition to recreational hunting that serves entertainment purposes rather than food. Sophie Gaillard, a representative of the organization, noted that wildlife killing contests should be banned, highlighting the intelligence of crows. The SPCA encourages individuals to petition the Quebec Environment Ministry for a prohibition on such contests. Marc Renaud, president of the Quebec Federation of Hunters and Fishermen, countered the SPCA’s claims. He expressed disappointment with the organization's stance, arguing that hunting is a legal and regulated activity. Renaud noted that many farmers appreciate the hunt because crows can damage crops. He also mentioned that some hunters may choose to eat the crows or preserve them through taxidermy. The debate raises deeper ethical questions about hunting and intelligence in animals. Louis Lefebvre, a biologist at McGill University, addressed this societal issue, questioning whether intelligence should influence our views on which animals to protect. Despite recognizing crows as highly intelligent creatures, he affirmed that crows are not a threatened species and the tournament is similar to other forms of sport hunting.