New York: Urge Gov. Hochul to end wildlife killing contests
CRITICAL UPDATE 10/25/2023: The New York Legislature passed A.2917/S.4099, but Gov. Kathy Hochul has not yet signed the bill into law. Please urge her to sign A.2917/S.4099 NOW for this final chance to end wildlife killing contests!
In wildlife killing contests, participants compete to kill coyotes, foxes, bobcats and other ecologically vital species for cash and prizes. Hundreds of animals may be killed at a single event and countless others may be injured. During springtime contests, dependent young may be orphaned and left to die from starvation, predation or exposure. After the killing is over, the animals are often dumped like trash, away from the public eye.
Stopping these contests would not reduce opportunities to hunt coyotes or other wildlife, prohibit big buck competitions or fishing tournaments, prevent the lethal control of wildlife to protect livestock or outlaw field dog trials. It would simply prohibit the competitive killing of wildlife for frivolous prizes. All wildlife species play an important role in healthy ecosystems. It's time for New York to join Massachusetts, Vermont, Maryland and the five other states that have already outlawed these cruel, unsporting and ecologically destructive events.
TAKE ACTION
Please take a moment to call Gov. Hochul and ask her to sign A.2917/S.4099 to end wildlife killing contests in New York. Find her phone number here. You can say: "As your constituent, I respectfully urge you to sign A.2917/S.4099 to end wildlife killing contests in New York.”
After making your call (please do not skip that crucial step!), fill in and submit the form below to send a follow-up message. Legislators receive a lot of emails; be sure to edit your message so it stands out.