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WANTED: HUNTERS & FISHERMEN
Animal cruelty legislation is being put forth in many state legislatures around the country these days. Unfortunately, many legislators have little time to reflect on the possible broad interpretations of such bills. This makes it very easy for those with anti-hunting and fishing mentality to get legislation passed that will prohibit both of these. Unfortunately, in many urban settings legislators are completely unfamiliar with these activities. For example, in the states of Georgia and Ohio legislation was being proposed, which would have eliminated hunting with dogs. It was the watchful eye of the Wildlife Legislative Fund of America that brought the true agenda to light. Bird hunters would have been a thing of the past had either of these states passed such legislation. Fishermen in one state were almost subjected to legislation that when carefully read would have said: "In no instance shall an animal be subjected to being pierced with a metal object." Try baiting your hook with a minnow with that law hanging over your fishing hat! Such ‘animal cruelty’ legislative efforts are one of those feel good, vote getting actions that negatively impact rural America. A legislator can ensure the vote of many local extremists by signing on to bills of such emotional appeal. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is playing a large part in this effort to eliminate hunting and fishing. Who would have thought? Most of us think of HSUS as coming to the rescue of mistreated dogs, cats, horses. When one takes the time to check out which organizations have had a major role in drafting such legislation, guess who pops up again and again? That’s right HSUS. Within the past 12 months there have been 62 bills in 31 states focused on animal cruelty. When carefully read the interpretation and intent of a number of them is quite clear. It would be a good idea to keep a close eye on all introduced legislation, or legislation that is being brought back up for debate. The solution to preventing this problem from getting out of hand is individual citizen involvement and vigilance. Elected officials, in all parts of the country, have very heavy workloads. It is unreasonable to expect them to be an expert in all areas, or to know each piece of legislation word for word. We can play a major role in bringing out the best in legislation by watching what is being put on the books-so to speak. Getting to know your legislator is something you can do. Watchfulness on our part, and bringing concerns to their attention is a privilege and responsibility too often neglected. In
my next column, I am going to explore this topic further. It bears looking
at in more depth. The public policy connections go far beyond hunting
and fishing. In the meantime, consider what our world would be like
if these two activities were eliminated by the social engineers that
always know best. Permission
granted to reprint in full or part with full credit given to author.
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