PETITION TARGET: Illinois State Senate
Hundreds of dead, blood-soaked coyotes — their lifeless bodies riddled with bullets – hung on a scale to be weighed and judged: This is the horrific aftermath of a typical wildlife killing contest. Once kill numbers are tallied, the decimated bodies may be tossed like garbage.
These ruthless contests take place in Illinois every year. Participants compete to kill the most animals, kill the largest animal, or kill the smallest animal. Contests can span for days — and the contests often promote the killing by awarding cash prizes.
Luring unsuspecting animals out of hiding by using high-tech calling devices that mimic the sounds of other animals — including baby animals in distress — is a deceptive tactic that may be deployed in the cruel contests. When targeted animals emerge from their safe places to help the young they believe to be in need, they may be mercilessly gunned down.
Foxes, coyotes, squirrels, and raccoons – common targeted animals in killing contests – are highly intelligent, nurturing creatures who form close-knit family bonds when caring for their young. They are wild animals with important roles to play in their ecosystems. They deserve our respect and appreciation — not to be slaughtered for prizes and bragging rights.
Illinois is one of 40 states in the United States to allow these wildlife killing contests to take place. But earlier this year, the Illinois House of Representatives passed HB 2900 – a bill that would prohibit “fur-bearing mammal killing contests” in the state.
HB 2900 has now moved to the Illinois State Senate for a vote.
Sign our petition urging Illinois state senators to pass HB 2900 to save countless animals from being mercilessly killed, disgracefully put on display, then thrown away like trash.
