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Support a Resolution Condemning Wildlife Killing Contests in Nevada!

The Reno City Council will discuss a resolution supporting a ban on wildlife killing contests at the September 8, 2021 City Council meeting. The resolution is in honor of the late Norm Harry, a lifelong advocate for Nevada’s precious wildlife.

Urge the Reno City Council to Support a Resolution Condemning Wildlife Killing Contests TODAY! 

Three ways you can support the resolution:

  1. Provide oral comment in person at the meeting on September 8, 2021 at 10 AM PT. Our topic is agenda item B6 and will be discussed relatively early in the meeting. 
    • Check-in with the City Clerk at the meeting and submit a request to speak. During the discussion, you will be called upon and have 3 minutes or less to speak. 
    • Prepare your oral testimony ahead of time by personalizing the Talking Points below. Keep your comments respectful, polite, and brief.
    • Project Coyote Program Associate and Nevada Representative, Fauna Tomlinson will be there early if you have any questions. Contact her at (530) 386-3311, faunahoop@hotmail.com.
  2. Submit testimony in advance of the meeting. Craft your email in your own words using the Talking Points below. Please submit your written comments by Monday, September 6, 2021.
  3. Share this action alert and sharegraphic with other NV residents and encourage them to take action on behalf of Nevada’s wildlife.

    Talking Points (please personalize):

    • Nevada’s wildlife is managed in trust for all Nevadans. Allowing individuals to wantonly kill wildlife as part of a cruel bloodsport is a grave violation of the state’s duty under the Public Trust Doctrine.
    • Hunters in Nevada are voicing support for a ban. Clark County Commissioner James Gibson, when speaking of killing contests, stated, “We have been hunters in our family, and we have friends all around us that do, and not one of them would ever go out to see how many they can kill…so they can win a prize. That’s not what I think of when I think of hunting.” Commissioner Gibson is one of many hunters who support a statewide ban.
    • A regulatory prohibition is not a ban on hunting and does not impact other laws. Individuals will still be allowed to hunt coyotes and other wildlife according to state laws. Following the example set by neighboring states, the language of a potential ban can make clear that it will not prohibit fishing tournaments.
    • Killing contests damage the reputation of responsible hunters by violating fundamental hunting ethics. Countless animals are injured or orphaned during killing contests. The events also put non-target species at risk. 
    • Nevada should join neighboring states (Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico) in enacting commonsense prohibitions. Contest participants from other states are now coming to Nevada and killing wildlife that should be enjoyed and appreciated alive by Nevadans.
    • Eight states have prohibited wildlife killing contests. Wildlife killing contests are still legal in 40+ U.S. states, but as awareness of these barbaric events spreads, Americans are increasingly demanding an end to this bloodsport.
    • The majority of Nevadans believe people should coexist in harmony with wildlife. According to a recent study by Dietsch and colleagues (including Project Coyote Science Advisory Board member Dr. Jeremy Bruskotter), 85-95% of Nevadans believe coyotes should be managed with non-lethal coexistence practices. 
    • Killing contests are a bloodsport like dogfighting and cockfighting. Killing coyotes for thrills and prizes—with no respect for their intrinsic or ecological value—is senseless violence and waste.
    • There is no scientific evidence that indiscriminately killing coyotes reduces their populations, increases populations of game animals like deer, or protects livestock. Randomly killing coyotes disrupts their pack structure, which can increase their populations and increase conflicts between coyotes, humans, and domestic animals. Preventing conflicts by utilizing humane, non-lethal solutions is more effective.
    • Wildlife targeted in wildlife killing contests play an important ecological role in helping maintain healthy ecosystems. For example, coyotes reduce rabbit and rodent populations, scavenge animal carcasses, and increase biodiversity.

    Thank you for acting TODAY to protect Nevada’s unprotected wildlife!

    Michelle Lute, PhD
    National Carnivore Conservation Manager

    Fauna Tomlinson
    Project Coyote Program Associate & Nevada Rep.

    PLEASE SHARE THIS ALERT WITH OTHER NEVADA RESIDENTS!

     

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