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Hundreds testify on bill to ban wildlife killing contests; commission split over enforcement and scope
Summary
Lawmakers received hours of public testimony on HB589, which would ban wildlife killing contests and define wanton waste of wild animals; supporters called the contests cruel, while commissioners and hunting groups warned against overbroad drafting.
Representative Schultz introduced HB589, a bill to ban wildlife killing contests and to clarify and prohibit wanton waste of wild animals. The sponsor said an amended approach relies on rulemaking to define exemptions and implementation details while protecting lawful, regulated hunting.
Numerous citizens, conservation groups and animal-welfare organizations urged passage. Witnesses described contests in which participants seek cash or prizes for the largest number or weight of animals killed, often posting photos online. Susan Garcia said such contests are “bloody, barbaric, cruel,” and other speakers described how children’s participation or exposure could normalize violence. Kurt Ehrenberg of the Humane Society of the United States asked for clear…
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