ASPCA Calls On Illinois Department of Natural Resources to Stop Sanctioning the Drowning of Animals

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Friday, 11 October 2002

Residents are Urged to Send Letters as State Revises Laws

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is calling on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to end the practice of drowning wildlife. The department is currently revising their existing rules that allow nuisance wildlife trappers to continue this barbaric practice. Drowning is an extremely cruel and often slow death; The American Veterinary Medical Association lists it as an unacceptable method of euthanasia. In Massachusetts, criminal charges for cruelty to animals have been filed against nuisance wildlife control agents who have used drowning to kill animals.

A recent paper "Drowning is not euthanasia" from the Wildlife Society Bulletin revealed that drowning animals suffered great distress. Some animals even remained alive after being submerged for an extended period.

The comment period for the regulations ends November 4, 2002. "We are calling on all Illinois residents to contact the Department of Natural Resources," says ASPCA President and CEO Dr. Larry Hawk. "Hopefully with enough public support to end this inhumane practice, the law will be revised."

For more information on how you can help and how to petition the Illinois Deparment of Natural Resources, visit our Advocacy Center.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is the only animal poison control center in North America. Established in 1978 at the University of Illinois, the Center is the only facility of its kind staffed by twenty-five veterinarians including four board-certified veterinary toxicologists and ten certified veterinary technicians. Located in Urbana, Illinois, the specially trained staff provides assistance to pet owners and specific analysis and treatment recommendation to veterinarians pertaining to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products or substances 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In 2001, the Center handled over 65,000 cases. The Center also provides extensive veterinary toxicology expert consulting on a wide array of subjects includes legal cases, formulation issues, product liability and regulatory reporting. To reach The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline call 1-888-426-4435.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org