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Stone Ridge
To the editor:
I am a practicing NYS veterinarian with a background in biological sciences, and also a former 4-H’er raised in Sullivan County, so I am very familiar with …
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Stone Ridge
To the editor:
I am a practicing NYS veterinarian with a background in biological sciences, and also a former 4-H’er raised in Sullivan County, so I am very familiar with local culture as well as wildlife killing contest ramifications.
There are circumstances in which urban legislators’ lack of understanding of rural life has created unfair circumstances for rural residents. Ending wildlife killing contests, however, is not one of these. Just as inner-city dogfighters cannot defend an entertainment and cash-based bloodsport as “urban culture,” killing contests should not be put forth as representative of the county’s population or its wholesome, traditional rural values.
The legislation would not affect regular hunting or its regulations, and deer, bear, and turkey are exempt from its provisions. The bill would only prevent killing wildlife for cash and prizes. It is already illegal to kill wolves in NYS, and in regard to coyote killing contests, NYS DEC’s science-based conclusion is that random removal of coyotes does not reduce coyote populations, increase deer populations, or prevent livestock predation. Predator-proof housing and good husbandry are the logical ways to prevent predation, which typically involves chickens and ducks.
There are indeed other ways to fundraise for local youth and service departments. Craftspeople, bakers, athletes, and small businesses in rural counties generate more participation and altruistic funds than fringe killing contests, without the festive outlook on needless animal suffering and its inevitable backlash.
I support bipartisan A.2917/S.4099 to prohibit wildlife killing contests in NYS and urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law.
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mrubin.rubin8
I would go further. Although I've seen no statistics to support my claim, I believe the majority of game hunting does not involve putting food on the table. By and large, hunting is regarded by most participants as sport. Even those who engage in such activities call themselves, "sportsmen," or women. Hunting to them is mostly a form of recreation, in other words, killing for fun and pleasure.
I don't think outlawing recreational hunting will put an end to it. People, instead will hopefully adopt a more kindly and moral attitude in recognizing this form of cruelty, and we can start by demanding the end to the owning of assault-style firearms. Please--no more pictures in this paper of youths, proudly kneeling beside their recent kill, rifle in hand!
Saturday, August 5, 2023 Report this
timmanzolillo
Some points to consider. The bill was sponsored by Glick (D), Manhatten, who chairs the Environ. Conservation Committee. It’s cosponsored by other (only)Democrats as far as the ny.gov website reveals.
If I missed any Republicans that did cosponsor than shame on me. But more shame on them. Regardless, the legislation directed at and against all New York hunters. Weather you agree or disagree with hunting/killing contests is not the point. It is an anti-hunting bill plain and simple. Their foot in the door. The product of unchecked one party rule in New York influenced by special interest groups. Who will take any ban on any type of hunting as a win. Until they can ban more.
The bills were pushed by the Humane Society, etc. The Humane Society said of the bills passage, in part, “This bill takes a real meaningful step, to outlaw these cruel contests”. Further, they expressed disappointment the bill carved out exceptions for deer, and turkeys, to foster the bills passage. In other words that was a compromise and evidently not in the original draft of the bill. In their eyes it seems to be a good start. Mark my words they’ll be back for more in short order.
It’s important for voters to realize that compromises such as these do not appease these anti hunting groups. Which is what they are plain and simple. If the Humane Society were truly against the killing of animals how do they justify the killing of thousands of dogs, cats, other unwanted pets via the euphemism of euthanasia. They are just as dead as if they had been hit by a bullet and I’ve witnessed first hand the euthanasia of pets. In the cases I saw, taking longer to die by injection than a well placed bullet. I did not see it as easy or humane.
Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric the bill is supported by “some hunters”. If it is, it is only because they’ve been misguided as to the bill’s original, anti hunting, intent. Evidently, it is also being taken by some as an opportunity to push for ban on the AR15 or (more) gun control.(See mrubin on these pages). Tim Manzolillo, Cochecton, NY
Saturday, August 5, 2023 Report this
lhfc1563
Mr Rubin has no statistics to support his claim but will give you his belief or personal opinion anyway.
Well Rubin, where does the meat go if not on the table? Are you saying that hunters kill and leave it? I and probably every hunter has just been insulted by you once again.
You don't think, we know that, that doing away with hunting will stop it. What will happen is that the Heards will multiply causing more farm & crop damage, many more car accidents with skyrocketing costs, many more human confrontations, more disease and etc all a bad idea from you.
And for the mere fact you bring in a call for getting rid of an assault weapon that we don't have but the military does even more shows you don't think!
You don't like pictures of proud citizens? You keep showing how anti-American you are.
I suppose you support P.E.T.A. that kills the animals in their vans and dump them in the dumpsters instead of being the 'kind to animals' org they say they are, they are part of the Humane Society.
timmanzolillo is right on.!
Thursday, August 10, 2023 Report this