Proposed Rule to Permit Hunting and Trapping of Bobcats in Pennsylvania Challenged

Animal Protection Institute
Thursday, 16 March 2000

SACRAMENTO -- The Animal Protection Institute (API), a national non-profit animal advocacy organization based in Sacramento, CA proudly announces that the Texas Snow Monkey Sanctuary (TSMS) of Dilley, TX is now operating as a division of API.

PHILADELPHIA -- Today, the Animal Protection Institute (API) challenged the Pennsylvania Game Commission's proposed rule to permit hunting and trapping of bobcats throughout the state. API asserts that without access to the management plan, which has yet to be released, citizens are unable to offer meaningful comments on the proposal.

API requests that the Commission extend the comment pedod for 30 days beyond their receipt of the management plan to allow citizens to review and properly respond to the proposal. A vote on the proposal will be held in early April.

On January 28 of this year, David Cantor, API's East Coast Field Representative, requested a copy of the Commission's management plan, which would explain the justification for the hunt. He was told that the plan was not completed despite the fact that the proposed rule to allow the hunt was released a week before -- without any supporting documentation. Two weeks later, Cantor was told the plan was still not finished.

"It is biologically irresponsible to hunt bobcats without first demonstrating that the population can sustain a hunt," said Christopher M. Papouchis, API's wildlife biologist. "Clearly, the Commission should postpone the vote for the hunt until the public has had adequate time to review and comment on the management plan."

ABOUT US: The Animal Protection Institute is a 32-year-old national animal advocacy non-profit organization with more than 80,000 members across the United States.

For more information, or to contact Animal Protection Institute, see their website at: www.api4animals.org