Aftermath of a wildlife killing contest.

The HSUS

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.

This action alert is for U.S. residents. International advocates, please visit Humane Society International.

Your Message

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Dear Governor,

As a New York resident who cares deeply about animals and our natural ecosystem, I urge you to sign A.2917/S.4099 to prohibit wildlife killing contests in our state. Wildlife, including foxes, coyotes, raccoons and other species, belong to all the citizens of a state. Wildlife killing contests serve no purpose and are even counterproductive to sound wildlife science.

Social science studies show that people care about wildlife and that the public is growing less tolerant of practices that they view as inhumane, unsporting, ecologically damaging and wasteful.

Ending these contests for cash and prizes would not reduce opportunities to hunt coyotes or other wildlife or prevent the lethal control of wildlife to protect livestock or property.

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