“PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION BELOW – THIS HEINOUS ABUSE MUST BE STOPPED NOW & THE AG-GAG LAW ABOLISHED. If these men are capable of treating animals in such a vile manner; what are they like at home? probable domestic abuse & perhaps worse! These evil sub-humans need to be exposed not protected by an AG-GAG Law. Think about it, only those with something to hide would want this law to protect them from the public finding out what really happens to its animals. If you’re a meat-eater, are you happy to eat a cow that has been violated & horrifically abused???”
February 19, 2014 Posted By Vandhana Bala
MFA has released never-before-seen undercover video of cows being sexually abused at Bettencourt Dairies, Idaho’s largest dairy farm.
The footage is part of a new online ad campaign aimed at defeating the state’s controversial “ag-gag” bill, SB 1337.
The graphic hidden-camera video shows a worker fondling a cow’s vagina while making crude sexual references. It also shows this and other Bettencourt workers viciously beating, kicking, and jumping on cows in order to deliberately inflict pain.
MFA is urging concerned citizens to contact Idaho governor Butch Otter and representatives in the state House to demand that they reject the dangerous ag-gag bill. Watch the shocking video here:
Viewer Discretion – Dairy Industry Tries to Cover Up Factory Farm Sex Abuse
Published on 18 Feb 2014
In direct response to an undercover investigation exposing horrific animal abuse and sexual assault at Bettencourt Dairies, Idaho’s largest dairy factory farm, corrupt lawmakers have introduced a bill to silence whistleblowers and keep the dairy industry’s dirty secrets hidden from public view. Watch and share this important video. Then take action at www.MercyForAnimals.org/Idaho
In late 2012, MFA conducted an undercover investigation at Bettencourt Dairies that exposed a culture of horrific animal cruelty, neglect, and sexual abuse. The investigation led to criminal charges against workers at the facility. Jesus Garza, seen molesting a cow in this newly released video, was convicted in January 2013 of criminal cruelty to animals. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail, ordered to pay a $500 fine, and barred from supervising or providing any direct care to livestock.
This year, indirect response to MFA’s investigation, pro-factory farm legislators in Idaho proposed an ag-gag bill designed to shield animal abusers likeJesus Garza from public scrutiny. If passed, SB 1337 would make it a crime to take photos or video at a factory farm without the owner’s permission. Luis Bettencourt, owner of Bettencourt Dairies, has been lobbying to pass this bill.
“This legislation is a desperate attempt to sweep evidence of animal cruelty and sexual abuse under the rug,” said MFA’s executive director, Nathan Runkle.
“Without Mercy For Animals’ investigation, sadistic animal abuse and sexual molestation would have gone on undetected, unaddressed and unpunished. Idaho has some of the weakest animal cruelty laws in the nation.
Lawmakers should be focusing on strengthening these pathetic laws, not silencing whistleblowers in an attempt to protect corrupt corporations.”
We must put a stop to this dangerous legislation. Click hereto sign the petition calling on Idaho governor Butch Otter to veto this dangerous bill.
“The current assault against wolves in the wild, through hunting, trapping, poisoning dens, etc. is unnecessary and an indictment on the American People if we continue to look the other way. We must put an end to this unprovoked and inhumane slaughter. Please help by signing as many petitions as you can”
Louise du Toit – Ode to the Wolves – Wolf Paintings by Vincent A Kennard
“Ode to the Wolves” is an artistic tribute to all wolves, written to raise awareness about the endless atrocities they endure from humans all over the world, with a positive message to support the plight of the wolves and to end their suffering.
The music and lyrics of “Ode to the Wolves” were written by Louise du Toit and the paintings in the video were done by fierce wolf protector, author and artist, Vincent Arthur Kennard, with the purpose of accompanying the song.
Bringing Wolves Back! 43 Petitions. Please TAKE ACTION!
Wolf Caught In Leg Hold Trap
My apologies if any have ended before I get this posted!
“For centuries, Man & Wolf lived together as they roamed the lands; both respected each other & their personal space. Sure some were killed for their meat or coats…but that was nothing compared to what society kills today in the farming industry; we kill far more than we can really eat…WHY…just because we can!!
“Just watch this poor excuse of a man, (sorry a total knob head) you would think he had struck gold…imbeciles!! What did that wolf ever fxxxxxg do to them? NOTHING!!
“This is nothing but a blood sport!! He caught the wolf with his bullet, but the poor wolf ran for its life; until he had no life left in him…COLD HEARTED KILLERS!!”
Uploaded – December 2012
“Can anyone explain to me WHY these beautiful creatures need to be killed? It’s not for eating, it’s not for clothing as we have both in abundance! NO, THE WOLF IS KILLED PURELY BECAUSE CERTAIN STATES AROUND THE WORLD SAY IT CAN BE…THEREFORE;THOSE THAT TRAP & KILL ANY ANIMAL, DO IT PURELY FOR SPORT OR TROPHY HUNTING. THEY ARE ALL JUST COLD BLOODED KILLERS WHO CALL IT A SPORT…THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES.”
After decades of protection, the American Grey Wolf was just barely back from the brink of extinction in 2011.
But then Congress made a rash decision to de-list wolves from the Endangered Species Act. Now trapping and killing of wolves is legal, and as you can see it being carried out with brutal efficiency. Already, more than half the wolves that roamed the Rockies and mid-west are dead. If we don’t act soon, there will be none left.
You can help stop this – Don’t look away. Sign below and share with friends and family who love the wild things so we can live in a world where wolves, and the wilderness they need to survive, can thrive alongside people.
Video 1. Brutal Wolf Killing – “This is cowardly, the wolf is already caught in a trap, nothing butch or manly about this…which is probably why kids are taught to kill them with guns!! After the wolf is shot…Guy in video says “Ha ha ha ha…that’s the end of her!”
Published on 28 Nov 2012
This video is hard to watch for anyone who’s ever loved wolves or wildlife. but we’re asking you not to look away. Right now in 5 states trapping and killing of wolves like this is totally legal. It’s all because of a rash and ill-informed decision made by Congress. But we need President Obama to act NOW to save the wolves.
“Another video; where the shooter is killing a sentient being, caught in a trap, so it can’t retaliate or even fight for its life…this is just a pathetic blood sport?”
Video 2. Second Wisconsin Wolf Killed;” Listen to the guy talk, as if he just fought off a wild lion…pathetic! Guy in video says “Yes sir, that’s the best thing I ever seen in my life!!”
“Please sign any & all petitions to stop the idiotic killing of an animal that has lived in harmony with man; for centuries!”
“Watch & listen to just a few of the many beautiful songs & videos created by my dear friend & animal warrior; Louise Du Toit. Louise manages to encapsulate the thoughts & feelings of animals, along with the daily struggles they have to endure, against their biggest enemy; man! Enchanting melodies, with an angelic voice, Louise has written many songs along with videos to educate & create public awareness to the plight of animal abuse etc. This is one of my personal favourites; from her album “Ode To Magnificence”
I am wolf, I am the true spirit of nature a perfect creation walking beside you, guiding your senses to see the invisible.
I am a predator, preserving the delicate balance of nature, a sentient being no more evil or righteous than any other creature, born with everything I need to survive.
I am intelligent, courageous, strong, a true survivor, devoted to my family, loyal to my pack, the defender of my territory.
Mankind has chosen me as its enemy, lack of knowledge, brought fear, bred hatred, enveloped in a dark cloud of demonic imagination.
Like countless other earthlings, I am shamelessly persecuted.
My true destination, will only become visible when humans discard their imaginary fear, false legends phantasmal myths, to seek the truth!
Music, text and vocal performance by Louise du Toit in Greece, 2012. Video created and produced by Louise du Toit. The copyrights to the music and lyrics are reserved by the artist. The images in this video are not the property of the producer. This video was made as a contribution to the salvation of wolves, for non-profit educational purposes, without any intention of commercial advantage or private financial gain. There is no intention of copyright infringement either.
The song for HOWL ACROSS AMERICA was written by Louise du Toit as a contribution to the August 2011 events, organized by NIWA (Northern Idaho Wolf Alliance), Wolf Warriors, Howling For Justice and individual wolf advocates around the world, protesting against the killing of wolves. Music, lyrics, performance and recording by Louise du Toit in Greece, 2011. Video created and produced by Louise du Toit. The copyrights to the music and lyrics are reserved by the artist. The images in this video are not the property of the producer. This video was made as a contribution to the salvation of wolves, for nonprofit educational purposes, without any intention of commercial advantage or private financial gain. There is no intention of copyright infringement either.
Created by members of NIWA (Northern Idaho Wolf Alliance), Wolf Warriors, and Howling For Justice, HOWL ACROSS AMERICA is calling on all wolf advocates to speak up for the wolves in August 2011. Please join their page at the following link and add your voice of protest against the war on our precious wolves:
“Ode to the Wolves” is an artistic tribute to all wolves, written to raise awareness about the endless atrocities they endure from humans all over the world, with a positive message to support the plight of the wolves and to end their suffering.
A 22-year-old man suspected of killing a monkey at the Boise zoo is scheduled to be moved to a jail in Idaho‘s capital.
The Ada County Sheriff’s department said Tuesday that Michael J. Watkins would be moved from the Washington County jail in Weiser where he’s been held since Monday afternoon to the Ada County jail in Boise.
Authorities say they’ll charge Watkins with a pair of felonies: burglary, for allegedly breaking intoZoo Boise, and grand theft, for taking and killing the monkey.
Police don’t plan to charge a second man who was with Watkins, but apparently never entered the zoo.
The recall was announced after the FDA tested a sample and found Salmonella present. There have been no reports of animals or humans becoming ill from the treats yet fortunately.
Both humans and dogs are at risk of contracting Salmonella.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection in dogs can be difficult to detect. Dogs may become lethargic, or have diarrhoea, fever and vomiting. If your dog has any of these symptoms and have consumed these treats you should contact your veterinarian for help.
In addition the dog may not have any symptoms, but can act as a carrier leading to infections in humans or other animals that that dog has contact with. In addition humans who handle the treats are at risk for contracting Salmonella.
The specific treats that are being recalled came in a 2.5-pound package. They will have a display UPC bar code of 657263800208 with a “BEST BY 091913 DEN” lot date.
If you have purchased these treats you should take the package back to the store you bought it from to get a full refund.
“I’m posting this on behalf of my dear friend & fellow animal warrior Carol Crunkhorn. Whilst signing the following petition, Carol came across a comment which quite rightly should be shared & heard with all who are fighting for the rights of Wolves.”
“This is such an impressive plea from someone who truly is a voice for the wolves. It would be too heartbreaking to think this woman’s comments may not even be read by those who receive the petition! For that reason, I want to share it and I hope you will all share with your friends”….Carol
Tell DNR Commissioner and Min. Gov. Mark Dayton : To Stop The Nov 3rd Wolf Hunt!
18:41, Aug 26, Mrs. Louise Kane, MA
It’s impossible to express the outrage, anger and disillusionment that I experience when it comes to wolf policy in the west and midwest. Its also difficult to believe that this is 2012 in a world where entire ecosystems are disrupted and degraded by the livestock , agriculture and sports trophy hunting industries. Despite the science that shows the contributions that apex predators make within their ecosystems our state and federal governments still routinely target and kill large carnivores for suspected or real cattle and other livestock depredations.
In MInnesota this is particularly relevant as your population of wolves has been stable over the last ten years with no appreciable harm to the livestock or hunting industries. In fact these wolves illustrate that naturally occurring populations of predators do self limit without the need for trophy hunting or public trapping and snaring, which are horrifically and outrageously cruel, barbaric, and inhumane. I am quite sure you have seen these words used in the context of trapping and snaring and while they may be overused they are perhaps the most appropriate words that come to mind.
I believe as do many Americans that we need a better, more advanced and realistic approach to human predator conflicts or potential conflicts. There is no requirement or mandate in place for ranchers and livestock producers to regulate their cattle, employ predator avoidance tactics and or to retire grazing lands and permits.
Instead wolves, coyotes, bobcats, cougars and bears are routinely shot, poisoned or trapped at the behest of special interests while the rest of America sends petitions, places calls, writes letters and otherwise protests at the shortsighted policies and pandering that are passed off as “management”.
While I reside on the East Coast I am an ardent conservationist, and the not the type with a rifle in hand that only wants to see elk, deer or other ungulates roaming in our forests, rangelands and wilderness areas. Nor do I enjoy killing animals for sport and try and pass this activity off as conservation.
I have read widely on the subject of wolf reintroduction, the loophole in the ESA (section 10J) that allows for killing wolves ( even while listed), and understand the issues. I have also read most of the comments that were submitted in response to the midwest proposals as well as Idaho’s, Montana’s and Wyoming’s comments in response to their wolf management plans. I have also read the comments online submitted to the USFish and Wildlife service in response to delisting proposals.
I am writing to you because I have seen evidence through these comments and through polls and petitions that Americans were and are against delisting wolves and hunting them for sport, they want to see wolves protected and they are largely unaware of the cruel and shoddy treatment that wolves and other carnivores receive in the west and midwestern states.
When I speak about the state “management” plans that call for killing all but 150 wolves in three of our largest states with huge tracts of federal lands, people look at me like I must have my facts wrong. When I tell people about Minnesota and that the wolves have remained stable but are now to be subjected to trapping and snaring at the behest of trophy hunters they are incredulous. Most people do not believe that trapping and snaring are legal.
The way our wildlife in America is managed is a terrible travesty. The way wolves were delisted using a sleazy non-germane rider attached to a spending bill was disgraceful and undemocratic. I can not think of anything that is more disturbing than the way wolves are being treated in the midwest and west. The states are supposed to be protecting wildlife and wolves instead of subjecting them to the whims of trophy hunters.
Its time to stand up to the livestock, agriculture and trophy hunting industries and to set a policy of no compromise when it comes to killing wolves and large apex predators. In order for the livestock , agriculture and trophy hunting industries to treat wolves with respect they must see that our state and federal agencies listen to all their constituents, they must know that Americans want our agencies to start doing the right thing, not the most politically expedient by catering to special interests that don’t represent mainstream America’s interests but whose archaic and inhumane ideas about wildlife management are implemented regardless of their effect on our earth and its ecosystems.
I am tired of watching the federal and state governments be browbeaten by these industries and tired of watching our wildlife perish in traps, snares, and being shot from helicopters or tracked by trained killers. I respectfully ask that you stop the Minnesota wolf hunt and and seek public comment from the American public on this issue.
I believe you will be dissuaded from this terrible and shortsighted decision. The states of Idaho and Montana have shown that killing wolves does nothing to appease special interests it only heightens the frenzy around killing these animals, makes wolf killing easier, and reinforces irresponsible stereotypes that need to be shelved instead of rekindled in a vicious, unproductive and destructive cycle of killing.
Feds Plan to Remove More than 100 Wild Horses from Hardtrigger & Black Mountain Herd Management Areas
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is continuing its longstanding mismanagement ofAmerica‘s wild herds with its proposal to roundup and remove 107horses — more than half of the estimated population — from Idaho‘s Black Mountain and Hardtrigger Herd Management Areas (HMAs).
The action by the BLM’sBoise District Office (BDO) will leave behind only 96 wild horses in this 114,000-acrepublic land area. The BLM allows just 96 – 190 wild horses to live in the Hardtrigger and Black Mountain HMAs and estimates that 203 horses currently live in the area. Meanwhile, the agency authorizes many times that number of privately-owned livestock to graze in these federally-designated wild horse habitat areas.
The BLM has issued its Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) and is seeking public comments on the proposed roundup. The agency is portraying this action as a Catch-Treat-And-Release (CTR) operation in which horses will be captured and released after mares are treated with the PZP fertility control vaccine. However, more than half of the animals to be captured will not be released. They will be permanently removed from the range even though the area exceeds the “allowable management level” by just 13 horses!
The BLM is mandated to seek suggestions from the public about its proposed action — now is our time to register opposition to the roundup and to demand better and more humane management of these herds.
Please take a moment to submit your comments below and urge the BLM to forgo the removal of any horses and to instead humanely manage the herds on the range.
Have you wondered why your emails and calls to stop the senseless hunt of our iconic Minnesota wolf go unanswered?
Why does the DNR ignore the 80% of respondents in their own survey who oppose the hunt, yet extend the killing season by 25 days in response to the desires of a few in the same survey? The rapid push to hunt the newly delisted wolf, after almost 40 years of federal investment and protection, has been stunning. Why the rush? The answer is becoming clear.
In an email dated 4/23/2012, DNR Chief of Wildlife Management Dennis E. Simon wrote, “…we owe it to our primary clients, hunters and trappers, and to livestock producers as secondary clients, to do what we can to establish a legitimate harvest opportunity now that the wolf is under our management authority.” In short, the DNR “owes” their “clients” -the special interest groups– the wolf.
Howling for Wolves gained access to this email, and more, in an earlier Government Data Practices Act request. On Monday, we served an expanded request to the DNR going back further in time and identifying specific groups and individuals. We seek answers on why the DNR rushed the process using emergency rule making, which truncated public comment.
This week we launch a major campaign to stop the hunt, before the hunt. Renewedmedia attention is on Minnesota. Tomorrow our first billboard calling to stop the hunt will go up in the Twin Cities area, with more to follow. We will add billboards across the state if we can raise more funds. This is a very expensive campaign, and we need your financial support. Donations, both large and small, will help us get more billboards up, and keep them up. All donations go straight to the purchase of more media. Please donate by either credit card or check. Checks may be sent to: Howling for Wolves, PO Box 4099, Hopkins, MN 55343
Your time, talents and energy are also needed –please volunteer! We have a very aggressive schedule planned, with a number of public actions. Please join us!
A spokesman for the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office said one bison was killed Saturday and another Thursday in Island Park in southeastern Idaho. The area is about 15 to 20 miles west of the park.
In a statement the Idaho Department of Agriculture said the state’s policy requires wild bison to be either killed or moved because of the possible spread of disease. Brucellosis can cause pregnant animals to miscarry their young. There have been no recorded instances in the wild of bison transmitting brucellosis to cattle.
Authorities said the bison killed Thursday was along the shoulder of U.S. Highway 20 near The Nature Conservancy‘s Flat Ranch. The bison killed Saturday was north of Mack’s Inn.
The Nature Conservancy in a statement said the bison killed Thursday was shot by an employee of the Idaho Department of Agriculture and was not on land owned by the conservancy.
“Our staff and volunteers in Idaho are saddened about this unfortunate situation and the death of the bison,” the group said in a statement that also noted its bison conservation efforts.
The Idaho Department of Agriculture did not return a call from The Associated Press on Sunday.
It’s unclear when authorities last killed a bison in Idaho.
Darrell Geist with the Buffalo Field Campaign, an advocacy group based in West Yellowstone, Mont., said the last one he investigated involved a bull killed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in August of 2009, also near the Flat Ranch.
He said bison could be entering Idaho a number of ways from Yellowstone National Park, including along Targhee Pass. He noted the region used to be a major bison migration corridor, and some bison are still drawn to it.
“It’s their instinct to migrate, and there are some bison that still retain these ancient migratory routes, almost like a map,” he said. “They know where to go and they find it again.”
U.S. Congress has never before ousted an animal or plant from Endangered Species Act protections — until now. In August, a federal district court ruled to NOT delist Western gray wolves. The case is still open on appeal. Yet Congress ignored separation of powers (between judicial and legislative branches) by taking matters into their own hands. A rider attached to the recently passed spending bill delists wolves, thereby deleting their federal safety net.
This political maneuver is unconstitutional and leaves wolves in the crossfire of state-sponsored killing. Idaho already conducted a hunt by helicopter in which wolves are cornered and shot at point blank range. Last year, pups and mothers were gassed inside their dens.
America’s wolves were nearly eradicated in the 20th century. Now, after a remarkable recovery in parts of the country, our wolves are once again in serious danger.
Federal sharpshooters are preparing for aerial wolf killing in Northern Idaho.
In Montana, the anti-wolf Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife are offering a $100 bounty per dead wolf.
Wyoming is moving forward with a plan that would allow wolves to be shot on sight across much of the state, including in National Forests and in some of the best available gray wolf habitat in the state.
Politicians in the Southwest are preventing the release of Mexican gray wolves into the wild – despite critically low wolf numbers that threaten a second extinction in the wild for these rare wolves.
This is an inspirational, visual & vocal tribute to wolves, from my dear friend & sister animal warrior; Louise Du Toit. Louise has lent her musical talents to fight the injustices of many sentient beings, the world over. In this song ‘Ode to the Wolves’ her enchanting voice, echo’s the travesties these wolves face, in their daily battle to survive. Once upon a time it was just the hunters the wolves feared, but now they stare death in the face, from the sky too…as Louise say’s ‘Where can you hide’!”
“Ode to the Wolves” is an artistic tribute to all wolves, written to raise awareness about the endless atrocities they endure from humans all over the world, with a positive message to support the plight of the wolves and to end their suffering…. Louise Du Toit”
The music and lyrics of “Ode to the Wolves” were written by Louise du Toit and the paintings in the video were done by fierce wolf protector, author and artist, Vincent Arthur Kennard, with the purpose of accompanying the song.
“We must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we treat the animals. Animals suffer as much as we do. True humanity does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them. It is our duty to make the whole world recognize it. Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace.” ~Albert Schweitzer, The Philosophy of Civilization
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
You can find out more about me & this blog by reading "ABOUT THIS BLOG" on the menu (when i finish it) lol
PLEASE NOTE.....
Not all of my posts will be current news, or even about animal abuse! I do like to share other animal news, uplifting stories or videos; some that are funny or just touch the heart!
If I have anything to say on any post, you will see it in bold blue writing. I try to remain a lady, but it's hard to contain my anger & emotions at the some of the stories I post; I don’t have a heart of stone, tears stain many articles I write!
Lastly, my apologies for any errors; I am learning whilst posting, so if you find anything that doesn't work or a broken link, sorry, I'm only human!!!!
ABOUT THESE POSTS
I would just like to make readers aware, that I search for stories on the internet; regards animal abuse etc. I copy stories etc. from the internet; assuming these stories are correct at time of publishing. Having said that, sometimes the press get it wrong! So I just want to add that at the time of me posting a news story, I presume all the facts seem present & correct.
Please note....all people mentioned in this blog, are presumed innocent, until proven otherwise, in a court of law.
Error: Please make sure the Twitter account is public.
Flag Counter Added May 2012
Face Book – Please Take Notice
For anyone wishing to connect to me via my Facebook page...PLEASE NOTE, ONLY PEOPLE I ADD AS ANIMAL ADVOCATES CAN SEE MY WHOLE PAGE...I do this out of respect for those friends I have who do not wish to see graphic images, videos or links of animal abuse!
As 99% of my page is animal related; anyone not in the above group of friends; will only see a limited amount of posts!!
DUE TO ANIMAL HATERS...I WILL ONLY ADD PEOPLE WHO CAN PROVE WHO THEY ARE via Facebook, Wordpress, Twitter etc. & WHO HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN ANIMAL WELFARE... i.e. if your Facebook page has absolutely nothing to do with animals, I see no point in joining my page. My Facebook is solely for animal welfare, I am not interested in playing games etc. I don't mean to sound rude but I am not interested in the amount of friends I have, its the quality of those friends that count.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND REQUESTS FOR YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN. I do not want anyone to be upset by graphic images etc.
My aim is to educate & raise awareness to the horrors animals face, at the hands of humans, every day, around the world!!
We can not hope to achieve better laws, to protect animals, unless we unite as one, to speak up for those who are voiceless!!
.
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
STOP ANIMAL ABUSE 
Tell DNR Commissioner and Min. Gov. Mark Dayton : To Stop The Nov 3rd Wolf Hunt!
September 9, 2012
preciousjules1985 Action Alert, Animal Cruelty, Animal Husbandry, Animal slaughter, Animal Trade, Animal Traps, animals, Big Cats, Blood Sport, Conservation, Coyotes, Endangered, Gross Neglect, Guilty, Human Animal Conflict, Hunters, Killed, Petitions to sign please, Poaching, Purposely Inflicted Harm, R.I..P, Research, Wild Animals, Wildlife Conservation Act, Wolves comment, Idaho, killing, Mark Dayton, Minnesota, Montana, Petitions to sign, Saving Americas Wolves, Trophy Hunting, United States, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Wolves, Wyoming Comments Off on Tell DNR Commissioner and Min. Gov. Mark Dayton : To Stop The Nov 3rd Wolf Hunt!
“I’m posting this on behalf of my dear friend & fellow animal warrior Carol Crunkhorn. Whilst signing the following petition, Carol came across a comment which quite rightly should be shared & heard with all who are fighting for the rights of Wolves.”
“This is such an impressive plea from someone who truly is a voice for the wolves. It would be too heartbreaking to think this woman’s comments may not even be read by those who receive the petition! For that reason, I want to share it and I hope you will all share with your friends”….Carol
Tell DNR Commissioner and Min. Gov. Mark Dayton : To Stop The Nov 3rd Wolf Hunt!
18:41, Aug 26, Mrs. Louise Kane, MA
It’s impossible to express the outrage, anger and disillusionment that I experience when it comes to wolf policy in the west and midwest. Its also difficult to believe that this is 2012 in a world where entire ecosystems are disrupted and degraded by the livestock , agriculture and sports trophy hunting industries. Despite the science that shows the contributions that apex predators make within their ecosystems our state and federal governments still routinely target and kill large carnivores for suspected or real cattle and other livestock depredations.
In MInnesota this is particularly relevant as your population of wolves has been stable over the last ten years with no appreciable harm to the livestock or hunting industries. In fact these wolves illustrate that naturally occurring populations of predators do self limit without the need for trophy hunting or public trapping and snaring, which are horrifically and outrageously cruel, barbaric, and inhumane. I am quite sure you have seen these words used in the context of trapping and snaring and while they may be overused they are perhaps the most appropriate words that come to mind.
I believe as do many Americans that we need a better, more advanced and realistic approach to human predator conflicts or potential conflicts. There is no requirement or mandate in place for ranchers and livestock producers to regulate their cattle, employ predator avoidance tactics and or to retire grazing lands and permits.
Instead wolves, coyotes, bobcats, cougars and bears are routinely shot, poisoned or trapped at the behest of special interests while the rest of America sends petitions, places calls, writes letters and otherwise protests at the shortsighted policies and pandering that are passed off as “management”.
While I reside on the East Coast I am an ardent conservationist, and the not the type with a rifle in hand that only wants to see elk, deer or other ungulates roaming in our forests, rangelands and wilderness areas. Nor do I enjoy killing animals for sport and try and pass this activity off as conservation.
I have read widely on the subject of wolf reintroduction, the loophole in the ESA (section 10J) that allows for killing wolves ( even while listed), and understand the issues. I have also read most of the comments that were submitted in response to the midwest proposals as well as Idaho’s, Montana’s and Wyoming’s comments in response to their wolf management plans. I have also read the comments online submitted to the US Fish and Wildlife service in response to delisting proposals.
I am writing to you because I have seen evidence through these comments and through polls and petitions that Americans were and are against delisting wolves and hunting them for sport, they want to see wolves protected and they are largely unaware of the cruel and shoddy treatment that wolves and other carnivores receive in the west and midwestern states.
When I speak about the state “management” plans that call for killing all but 150 wolves in three of our largest states with huge tracts of federal lands, people look at me like I must have my facts wrong. When I tell people about Minnesota and that the wolves have remained stable but are now to be subjected to trapping and snaring at the behest of trophy hunters they are incredulous. Most people do not believe that trapping and snaring are legal.
The way our wildlife in America is managed is a terrible travesty. The way wolves were delisted using a sleazy non-germane rider attached to a spending bill was disgraceful and undemocratic. I can not think of anything that is more disturbing than the way wolves are being treated in the midwest and west. The states are supposed to be protecting wildlife and wolves instead of subjecting them to the whims of trophy hunters.
Its time to stand up to the livestock, agriculture and trophy hunting industries and to set a policy of no compromise when it comes to killing wolves and large apex predators. In order for the livestock , agriculture and trophy hunting industries to treat wolves with respect they must see that our state and federal agencies listen to all their constituents, they must know that Americans want our agencies to start doing the right thing, not the most politically expedient by catering to special interests that don’t represent mainstream America’s interests but whose archaic and inhumane ideas about wildlife management are implemented regardless of their effect on our earth and its ecosystems.
I am tired of watching the federal and state governments be browbeaten by these industries and tired of watching our wildlife perish in traps, snares, and being shot from helicopters or tracked by trained killers. I respectfully ask that you stop the Minnesota wolf hunt and and seek public comment from the American public on this issue.
I believe you will be dissuaded from this terrible and shortsighted decision. The states of Idaho and Montana have shown that killing wolves does nothing to appease special interests it only heightens the frenzy around killing these animals, makes wolf killing easier, and reinforces irresponsible stereotypes that need to be shelved instead of rekindled in a vicious, unproductive and destructive cycle of killing.
Louise Kane
Petition Link:-http://www.thepetitionsite.com/317/502/678/tell-dnr-commissioner-and-min-gov-mark-dayton-to-stop-the-nov-3rd-wolf-hunt/
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