In Short: Idaho representatives motion to pass a bill (SB1211) that will enable hunters to kill thousands of wolves. An extra $190,000 (USD) will be transferred by the state to carry out such measures.
Let's hold state officials accountable to put an end to this call for a wolf hunt. Let's get 15,000 signatures to showcase that we care about our wildlife.
The lengthy take-away:
Note: the underlined colored text are citations for that information.
Idaho representatives have motioned to pass a bill that will open wolf hunting season from seasonal to year-round. It also will allow farmers and ranchers to protect their livestock at any and ALL costs and measures.
According to Idaho State Senator Harris wolves are "... destroying ranchers; they’re destroying wildlife”.
The bill also does not limit the number of wolves to be killed.
Persons contracted by those in agriculture or licensed carriers may determine a wolf to be a nuisance if the wolves are deemed to be "molesting" livestock. Under the bill, "molesting" means the actions of a wolf that are annoying, disturbing or persecuting, especially with hostile intent or injurious effect, or chasing, driving, flushing, worrying, following after or on the trail of, or stalking or lying in wait for, livestock or domestic animals. These behaviors are natural methods of hunting for the wolf.
The state of Idaho plans to have a money grab that increases the funds available to manage the wolf population by $190,000 (USD). This will allow the state to hire and give licenses to those that have a vested interest in protecting their agricultural lands.
Title 22 and Title 36 of the State of Idaho are some examples of how government favors protecting those that have a vested interest in carrying out animal agriculture practices, in which degrade ecosystems and harm wildlife. This is an ongoing problem in legislature where majority of the laws in place are "anti-animal".
The motion to pass SB 1211 to become law will have a detrimental effect on local wildlife populations, both flora, and fauna. This will affect the web of life connected to these lands and will leave a lasting negative impact on our future generations, which include our kids and our grandchildren. If hunters are to kill these necessary predators, other species will overpopulate and provide an even greater "nuisance" to surrounding lands. The harmful effects of culling predators can be seen throughout the United States by how any state department of fish and game manages wildlife.
The Sponsor of the Bill in question is:
Idaho Senator State Affairs Committee
Sponsor Info
Co-sponsors of the current bill in question are:
Representative Laurie Lickley
Representative Marc Gibbs
Co-sponsor Info
With a quick search on who the sponsors are, is it surprising that almost all of the parties aforementioned have a connection to animal agriculture?
If the state of Idaho can afford to come up with an extra $190,000 a year, this begs the question of what that money can be utilized for instead of killing wolves that are necessary to a healthy and thriving ecosystem.
The ask:
Hold the Govorner of Idaho accountable and stop the bill from passing.
A call to action to protect all wolf species under the Endangered Species Act -- any and all wildlife protection agencies and bodies are welcomed to collaborate on solutions
Utilize the $190,000 (USD) and hire environmentalists to protect lands and to strategize non-lethal measures
Provide predator education outreach
Image Credit: Rain Carnation
Sources used:
Idaho State Website
News articles covering the bill passing
