New York: Urge your legislators to end wildlife killing contests
CRITICAL UPDATE 5/25/2023: A lifesaving bill that would prohibit cruel wildlife killing contests in New York is moving rapidly through the legislature and will be voted on within days! Your voice is urgently needed to help end these contests in our state.
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 your state representative and state senator and ask them to support A.2917/S.4099 to end wildlife killing contests in New York. Find their phone numbers here. You can say: "As your constituent, I respectfully urge you to support 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.