More than forty states around the country allow wildlife-killing contests that reward participants for the largest or greatest number of animals killed. Coyotes, foxes, and other animals are slaughtered en masse–and these events can even put endangered species at...
More than forty states around the country allow wildlife-killing contests that reward participants for the largest or greatest number of animals killed. Coyotes, foxes, and other animals are slaughtered en masse–and these events can even put endangered species at risk.
These mass killings are not a recognized or science-backed management practice. They are just wanton waste and destruction. The animals that are gunned down or beaten, die for no other purpose other than the pleasure it gives the individual who kills them.
While Congress has been slow to address these threats, there is hope at the state level. Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Vermont, and Washington have already passed laws to prohibit wildlife killing contests, and New York joined them last week when Governor Hochul signed a bipartisan law banning these events in the state. We are working with our member organizations and other partners to support federal legislation and campaigns in more states in 2024.
These events serve no legitimate purpose. Killing large numbers of animals is not effective at controlling their populations–a claim often made by defenders of these events. Mass killing of coyotes or other pack animals destabilizes their family units. Researchers have demonstrated that coyotes specifically respond to this slaughter with increased birth rates–meaning that the perceived overpopulation is likely made worse.
Progress is finally being made as these events receive the public attention that they seek to avoid. Help us do more in 2024.
Your gift will support state-specific campaigns to finally ban these atrocious events. No one should be able to turn our public lands into killing fields.
And if you give before midnight on 12/31, your gift will be matched–doubling your impact.
Thank you for your commitment to wildlife and wild places.
Sincerely,
Susan Holmes
Executive Director
Endangered Species Coalition
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The post Help make more progress in the fight to ban killing contests appeared first on Endangered Species Coalition.
