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A petition is calling on local and national governments to develop new policies to better rehabilitate wild animals to avoid euthanizing them.

With instances of wildlife being euthanized, the Kelowna-based petition calls on governments to develop new policies to rehabilitate animals before killing them, according to petition creator Katie Pasitney, who addresses Kelowna’s city council, Premier John Horgan and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in her change.org petition.

“This not only helps the animals, but assists the country with meeting its climate change action targets and sustainability goals. Revisiting and rewriting these policies can also play an important role in fostering relationships between Canada’s Indigenous peoples and governments. Wildlife exists for more reasons than providing human viewing pleasure,” she wrote in the petition.

READ MORE: Former Conservation Officer fired for refusing to kill bear cubs uses PhD research to win in court

Pasitney said changes need to occur to the B.C. Wildlife Act which currently does not aim to rehabilitate animals in need of help.

Governments need to work with wildlife sanctuaries and rescue services to develop strict guidelines on animal rehabilitation before the animal is euthanized.

“Let's be a voice for these animals who do not have one. Anyone can be a conservation officer if you own a gun and a truck, a bullet is not the only answer," she wrote.

Bears have been spotted recently spotted in Lake Country neighbours, prompting a warning from the district to ensure that residents keep their garbage stored safely out of reach from wildlife.

Conservation officers have said it's impossible to relocate a habitualized bear and what makes the situation worse is people's reluctance to call the conservation service, believing officers will just come and kill the bear.

READ MORE: Conservation Service forced to put down aggressive bear in North Okanagan

The chang.org petition has reached 40,000 signatures out of its 50,000 goal, as of today, Sept. 22.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service could not be immediately reached for comment.

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