Victories for wildlife are few and far between. While the Trump Administration is doing everything it can to eviscerate the Endangered Species Act and lay siege to wildlife and wildlands, special interest trophy hunting and agricultural interests continue to persecute wild carnivores based on outdated myths.
That’s why I am thrilled to share that—thanks to your support—Governor Newsom signed AB 273 into law today, making California the first state in the nation to ban commercial and recreational fur trapping! This momentous law, which was spearheaded by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, will spare countless foxes, coyotes, beavers and other wild animals from the unnecessary fur trade. For centuries, fur trapping has caused agonizing deaths for an untold number of animals.
Also today, the Arizona Governor’s Regulatory Review approved a rule passed by the AZ Game & Fish Commission that outlaws wildlife killing contests for bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and other species. Arizona joins three other states—California, New Mexico, and Vermont—that have enacted laws in recent years to stop these barbaric events, during which participants compete to kill animals for entertainment and prizes.
We are so grateful to our supporters who responded to our action alerts and contacted their policymakers in support of these critical laws, and to our coalition partners and volunteers—without whom these victories would not have been possible.
California is on the verge of passing two more bills that will be precedent-setting for the nation. These bills would ban the trophy hunting of bobcats and the sale and trade of fur. Californians are urged to take action on this legislation—more information here.
We are hopeful that other states will follow suit and emulate California’s and Arizona’s lead in protecting our native carnivores. Just as the animal protection movement abolished dogfighting and cockfighting state by state, we will rid the nation of inhumane and senseless practices including fur trapping, trophy hunting, and wildlife killing contests. Please join us today in celebrating these victories for animals.
For wild nature,
Camilla Fox & the Project Coyote Pack