Tuesday, February 10, 2015

#Wolves Endangered - Need Legal Protections


Wolf Day 2015, sponsored by Howling For Wolves was deemed a success by founder Dr. Maureen Hackett even before the first call on legislators. About 200 people attended a rally at the state National Guard Armory on the morning of February 5, 2015 before descending on the State Office Building.

Recent court rulings have placed the Minnesota wolf back on the “threatened species” list. Hackett says there is strong support in all legislative districts to move the wolf back to endangered species to further protect it. Sen Chuck Wiger, (DFL -Maplewood, White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi,) said wolf protection is the number one reason voters contact him.

Wolf supporters would like to end all wolf snaring and trapping, and to end the snaring of all animals. They say snares – the most cruel method of trapping – ­are indiscriminate killers, as both wild and domestic animals can and do get caught in these wire nooses, suffering death by strangulation. Many animals, however, are merely maimed, only to die in a prolonged, painful death. More than 20 states already ban the snaring and trapping.

Other protections needed

Wolf supporters also want stronger requirements to obtain written permission from landowners before trapping on private property. They also want state and federal funding for effective, nonlethal methods for farmers and ranchers to prevent wolf/livestock conflicts. They say nonlethal methods, such as the use of guard animals and carcass removal, can effectively reduce wolf/livestock conflicts.
Support for a five-year moratorium on the wolf hunt following delisting as the start of a smart plan to let wolves live.

Bills that would do these things were introduced to the Minnesota Senate on Thursday.

source


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