More Action Needed to Ban Coyote Killing Contests in Oregon!
Legislation to end cruel coyote killing contests has reached the Oregon State House Chamber as HB 2728 and a floor vote is expected this week. This bill would protect countless coyotes from being killed for prizes or monetary awards.
Many have already spoken up in support of HB 2728, and we are so grateful for your continued support.
But we can’t give up now ~ we still need your voices!
Here’s how you can help:
Ask your House Representative TODAY to support HB 2728!
The House will likely vote on this bill by the end of the week, so please:
- Call your state representative now and follow up with an email, urging them to vote YES on HB 2728 and using the talking points below. Find your representative here.
- Share this graphic on social media with your fellow Oregonians!
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Talking Points:
This legislation (HB 2728) will prevent a small minority of the population from recklessly slaughtering coyotes.
- Hunter and former Chairman of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission Mike Finley has condemned wildlife killing contests (read his Op Ed here).
- Killing contests are a bloodsport like dogfighting and cockfighting.
- Killing contests damage the reputation of responsible hunters by violating fundamental hunting ethics (read Op Ed in The Spokesman-Review by former President of the California Fish and Game Commission Michael Sutton and outdoor recreation industry leader John Land Le Coq here).
- Seven states (AZ, CA, CO, MA, NM, VT, WA) have enacted bans against wildlife killing contests.
- There is no scientific evidence that indiscriminately killing coyotes effectively reduces their populations, increases populations of game animals like deer, or protects livestock.
- Coyotes play an important ecological role in healthy ecosystems by controlling rabbits and rodents, cleaning up animal carcasses, and increasing biodiversity.
- This bill is not a ban on hunting and does not impact other laws related to hunting or fishing.
- Oregon’s wildlife is managed in trust for all Oregonians and recent polling shows the majority of Oregon voters support this bill.
Thank you for acting TODAY to protect Oregon’s coyotes!
Camilla Fox
Founder & Executive Director
Michelle Lute, PhD
National Carnivore Conservation Manager