DEC Must Allow Non-Hunters to Serve on their Advisory Board

The Issue

Astonishing fact: The purpose of the NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation advisory board is to make recommendations to state agencies on state government plans, policies, and programs affecting fish and wildlife; and under current law you must be a licensed hunter to serve on this board - for an agency created "to protect New York State's wild animal populations." This outrageous requirement must change!

"At the time of designation, board members must hold a valid New York state hunting, fishing or trapping license andhave held one three years prior." http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/566.html

Senator Tony Avella has introduced bill S3327/ A6519 which mandates non-hunters be allowed to serve on the DEC advisory board; it states:

The purpose of the board is to make recommendations to state agencies on policies and programs affecting wildlife. These goals can be more adequately met by making the mandatory hunting license requirement discretionary, diversifying the board with designees of experience beyond the scope of hunting.

Please Sign this petition now to change this awful law

This law as it stands guarantees a deadly outcome for wildlife. The people who kill for fun and sport are the only decision makers, all others are barred - the fox is guarding the hen house. The public assumes those in charge are 'experts' and the 'conservation' aspect of the DEC has been totally obliterated. Wildlife 'management' has been an unmitigated disaster for wildlife - including the proposed killing of all swans in NYS!

The DEC permits Wildlife Service's massive slaughters of wildlife without notification: Millions of birds, deer, bear are victims... deadly taxpayer-subsidized wildlife killings are provided for private businesses such as golf courses, farms and racetracks,. WS has advised officials the only 'really effective way to manage animals' was with lethal means...which were then handled humanely after our alternative input.
DEC sponsors and encourages 'youth hunts' of turkey, squirrels, etc using taxpayer funds...despite the fact that statistics indicate children who harm animals are more likely to commit crimes as adults. They sponsor hunter training programs - and are "running a private hunting business on taxpayer money"

Airports follow WS slaughter recommendations in lockstep - despite effective, less costly options that are humane and endorsed by Miracle on the Hudson's Capt Sullenberger, who favors methods like avian radar and drones used successfully elsewhere.

At the same time the DEC has outrageously gutted the ability of wildlife rehabilitators to care for wildlife, leading them to file suit against the DEC:

This law is potentially unconstitutional and unjustifiable; it discriminates against people protective of wildlife who don't hold a license to kill. A blatantly biased law like this would never be passed for people; please stand up for wildlife by supporting bill S3327/ A6519. Send emails in support to Speaker of the Assembly Carl Heastie - Speaker@assembly.state.ny.us

For more information visit Animal Defenders of Westchester: www.ADOW.org On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Westchester4Geese/

Thank you for helping those who cannot speak for themselves

Animal Defenders of WestchesterPetition Starter

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This petition had 10,394 supporters

The Issue

"At the time of designation, board members must hold a valid New York state hunting, fishing or trapping license andhave held one three years prior." http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/566.html

Senator Tony Avella has introduced bill S3327/ A6519 which mandates non-hunters be allowed to serve on the DEC advisory board; it states:

Please Sign this petition now to change this awful law

The DEC permits Wildlife Service's massive slaughters of wildlife without notification: Millions of birds, deer, bear are victims... deadly taxpayer-subsidized wildlife killings are provided for private businesses such as golf courses, farms and racetracks,. WS has advised officials the only 'really effective way to manage animals' was with lethal means...which were then handled humanely after our alternative input.
DEC sponsors and encourages 'youth hunts' of turkey, squirrels, etc using taxpayer funds...despite the fact that statistics indicate children who harm animals are more likely to commit crimes as adults. They sponsor hunter training programs - and are "running a private hunting business on taxpayer money"

Airports follow WS slaughter recommendations in lockstep - despite effective, less costly options that are humane and endorsed by Miracle on the Hudson's Capt Sullenberger, who favors methods like avian radar and drones used successfully elsewhere.