New York - Final Vote On Banning Wildlife Killing Contests Heading to Gov. Hochul's Desk

​worldanimalnews.com/new-york-is-one-step-closer-to-becoming-the-9th-state-in-the-u-s-to-ban-wildlife-killing-contests/

Last week, bill S.4099/A.2917 passed with New York legislators and will now head to Governor Kathy Hochul's desk for a final decision. The bill targets wildlife killing contests and would effectively ban them statewide, sparing hundreds to thousands of innocent, wild animals every year. These contests glorify brutality and disrupt the natural balance of a habitat, causing a ripple effect that disrupts everything around it. These horrific contests are a gross abuse of power, manipulation of the animal kingdom, and as I stated earlier, a glorification of animal brutality.

Not my photo. Credit - karlumbriaco / Getty Images

These wildlife killing contests typically work under the guise of predator control, suggesting that these contests are necessary to curb growing predator populations. This normally includes coyotes, animals often regarded as pests. These contests issue prizes based on largest or smallest animals, or amount of animals killed, with higher prizes going to those who kill the most. These contests can include children, indoctrinating them to violence against animals and a lack of empathy or respect for predatory animals. It's a mistake to allow anyone to participate, let alone impressionable children.

There are a so many flaws surrounding the lack of logic behind these contests. First of all, these contests can inadvertently see non-target animals killed, like endangered wolves. Wolves share in upwards of 98% of the same DNA as coyotes, making them easily mistaken for coyotes during a contests that issues prizes for slaughtering mass amounts of coyotes. Secondly, studies have shown that coyotes rebound quickly and in some cases, more abundantly after these contests, completely striking down the "predator control" narrative. Essentially, much like trophy hunting, these contests are nothing more than an excuse to grab a gun and participate in some bloodshed.

We must stop glorifying violence against animals. Issuing cash or prizes for the relentless slaughter of wildlife is disgusting and needs to be done away with. We are witnessing hundreds of thousands of species fighting for survival on our planet and yet we eagerly run out to shoot and kill hundreds more for "fun". We must remember that every species on our planet was at one time, abundant, until humanity came along and messed with everything. We've decimated the planet's wildlife and these contests are an example of our gross neglect and abuse of the animal kingdom. It's time to ban them!

I believe Gov. Hochul will do the right thing and end these barbaric contests. I will hopefully update with positive news in the coming weeks. Peep the original story by visiting the link at the top of this post.

HAPPY VEG