PETITION TARGET: Wyoming’s Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resource Committee
A wolf in Wyoming was allegedly horrifically tortured after being hit by a snowmobiler and killed outside a bar earlier this year. In response, a disturbing new draft bill now explicitly tells snowmobilers in Wyoming that they may run over wolves and other predators purposefully.
Instead of prohibiting the torture of wolves, Bill draft 140 would legalize the cruelty so long as the injured animal is killed immediately following the attack by snowmobile. The draft legislation says that if the animal isn’t killed quickly enough after being hit, the person responsible could be charged a $1000 fine for animal cruelty, according to local news.
Wolves, foxes, and other predators are sentient creatures who feel pain, panic, and fear. The idea that it’s perfectly fine to chase them on motorized vehicles with the intent of mowing them down is outrageous. The fact that the language in this bill makes it crystal clear that this cruel, terrorizing behavior is perfectly acceptable in Wyoming is even more alarming.
During a public comment period hosted by the working group about the bill, community members overwhelmingly showed up to advocate that legislation finally make it illegal for snowmobilers to run wolves over intentionally, according to Idaho Capital Sun.
“It seems Wyoming will be allowing wildlife torture to continue with motorized killing if either of these provisions passes — as long as it’s not prolonged,” community member Shane Moore said during a public comment.
The draft legislation will be considered by Wyoming’s Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resource Committee subcommittee. We are calling for an amendment to the bill to clearly prohibit targeting wolves and other animals with snowmobiles in Wyoming.
Please sign our petition urging Wyoming’s Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resource Committee to amend the bill to include a total ban on intentionally running over ANY animal in ANY vehicle.
