ACTION ALERT UPDATE (3.05.10)

Indiana DNR SUPPORTS BAN on coyote & fox penning!

YOUR VOICE IS STILL NEEDED!

Greetings from Project Coyote:

Good news! On Friday February 28, 2010 the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) came out IN FAVOR OF A BAN on the cruel and heinous practice of coyote and fox penning. In its report, the INDNR stated, “the DNR is recommending that the NRC not allow an individual to chase or kill a coyote or fox in an enclosure with the use or aid of dogs.”

This is a huge step forward and the result of continued pressure from both national and local grassroots organizations. BUT this is far from a done deal!  This only reflects DNR staff’s recommendation to the Indiana Natural Resources Commission (INRC). We know that those in favor of penning will do all they can to ensure that this practice continues unabated. The INRC will consider the proposed ban at their upcoming March 16th hearing and YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED!  If you’ve already written on this issue, THANK YOU! If you haven’t, please submit comments to the INRC TODAY and urge them to ban penning statewide and the trade in coyotes and foxes for such purposes. Your voice will make a difference!

This comes on the heels of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission placing a temporary ban on this practice in Florida as a result of public pressure and media exposure.  Two Florida papers came out with editorials in support of a ban which you can read on our homepage along with our campaign update www.ProjectCoyote.org.

Project Coyote is strategizing with our allies about how we attain complete bans on coyote and fox penning operations in both Indiana and Florida- in perpetuity. Your letters have made a difference!

We need your help to keep doing this important work on behalf of America’s native wild “song dog.” We can do it with your help! Thanks to all who responded to our previous appeal. If you are not yet a member of Project Coyote, please consider joining our growing team today. To make a secure online donation now, visit Project Coyote’s donate page.

With sincere thanks

Camilla H. Fox
Founding Director