Proposals To Increase Killing of Wisconsin Wildlife Draws Fire

Animal Protection Institute
Monday, 8 April 2002

The Wisconsin (WI) Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding its annual Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings tonight - Monday, April 8, 2002 at 7:00pm in every county in the state. The public has an opportunity to vote on proposed rule changes affecting wildlife. Over 8,600 Wisconsin residents came out to vote on these issues last year, and it is crucial they make their voices heard again tonight. The Animal Protection Institute (API) is encouraging its members and every Wisconsin resident to speak out against increased killing of wildlife.

Among the many proposals dealing with killing Wisconsin's wildlife:

- API opposes a proposed rule change that would allow the Gray (Timber) Wolf to be managed as a "furbearing predator" after it is removed as an endangered species, which could lead to a hunting/trapping season on wolves. For years Wisconsin labored to reintroduce the wolf to its ancient home range, even incorporating a specialized license plate to help raise funds and show support for the effort. Now that wolf populations have rebounded somewhat, the last thing the public wants is for hunters and trappers to start killing them again.

- API opposes liberalizing otter trapping regulations in the southern otter zone, which will result in more killing of river otters. This charismatic species was nearly wiped out in many areas throughout the U.S. by fur trappers in the late 1800s. In Wisconsin there was great public support to bring otters back. Now that populations have stabilized, Wisconsin residents do not want to see otters killed again, especially through the cruel practices involved with trapping.

- API opposes several other proposals to increase the killing of bear, elk, deer and other Wisconsin wildlife.

Results of the votes are presented to the DNR in the form of advisories indicating the support that a resolution may or may not have among the people attending the meeting.

For meeting locations and to read the proposals, click here.

The Animal Protection Institute is a national non-profit animal advocacy organization with 85,000 members, including 1,500 Wisconsin residents.

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