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Proclamation opposing wildlife killing contests conducted throughout Pennsylvania.
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WHEREAS, each year thousands of coyotes, foxes, bobcats, prairie dogs, crows, and even wolves are targeted in “wildlife killing contests” where contestants win prizes and awards for killing the most or largest of a given species; and
WHEREAS, these contests, largely unmonitored by state and federal wildlife agencies, are legal in 45 states beside Arizona, New Mexico, California, Vermont and Massachusetts and often occur on public lands; and
WHEREAS, in Pennsylvania, the targeted species are typically coyotes, but often include other animals as well. Pennsylvania has more organized wildlife killing contest’s than any other state in the country - with more than 50 across the state; and
WHEREAS, Allegheny County recognizes and supports hunting and fishing events for properly licensed
hunters and anglers; and
WHEREAS, it is essential to safeguard the wellbeing of animals, including banning the trapping of birds to be used in sport and recreational shoots, establishing regulations against leaving pets outside in harsh weather, setting standards against the commercial breeding of animals in substandard conditions for sale; and
WHEREAS, wildlife killing contests, in which participants are competing for the most aggregate or certain
kinds of kills, that are conducted for profit, entertainment, prizes, and for the “fun of killing” glorify killing for its own sake, and are unacceptable; and
WHEREAS, Allegheny County residents and visitors use the extensive public lands throughout the county for hiking, exercise, dog walking, bird watching, and other countless outdoor activities compatible with the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem, and the practice of wildlife killing contests poses a threat to a variety of elements that play a role in sustaining a healthy ecosystem;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Allegheny County Council Member Bethany Hallam do hereby oppose wildlife killing contests conducted throughout Pennsylvania and urge the Pennsylvania Game Commission to take the necessary actions to eliminate the practice.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 6th day of October 2020.