U.S. agency killed 4 million animals in 2013
WILDLIFE SERVICES, the animal-control arm of the federal government, has ramped up its trapping, shooting, and poisoning again after years of trending downward.
According to the latest report from the Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services in fiscal 2013 killed more than 75,000 coyotes, 860 bobcats, 500 river otters, 3,700 foxes, 12,000 prairie dogs, 950 red-tailed hawks, 400 black bears, and 3 eagles. The report does not detail the reasons for the killings, but the agency responds to requests from government agencies to “resolve human/ wildlife conflicts,” such as birds posing a danger on runways or predators deemed a threat to farmers. Ranchers and farmers pay half the agency’s costs for killing animals.
Wildlife Services’ death toll has varied widely over the years. In 2001 it was down to 1.5 million, where it stayed until 2008, when it hit 5 million. The figure fell back to 3 million before creeping back up to 4 million last year.
Widespread criticism of the agency’s secrecy and what are considered indiscriminate, inhumane, unscientific methods has led to calls in Congress for an investigation into how it operates.
A coalition of wildlife groups including Project Coyote, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the Animal Welfare Institute have petitioned the Obama administration to reform what they call “an out-of-control, rogue agency” that operates without accountability to the public.
Under various names, Wildlife Services has killed millions of animals since the early 1900s, primarily to serve agricultural interests. It was instrumental in endangering the Mexican Gray Wolf, Black-footed Ferret, prairie dog, and grizzly bear, and reports killing an average of 4,000 non-target animals a year, including at least 13 endangered species.
Learn about link between human, animal abuse
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the annual conference on the “deadly link” between
animal abuse and human violence. This year the conference takes place
Sept. 22, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in
Albuquerque. Registration deadline is Sept. 8.
Each year the Forming Positive Links Committee brings together animal
shelter workers, law enforcement, animal rescuers, and others to learn
about the latest research and policy options for confronting violence
against animals and humans. The well-documented relationship between
animal abuse and human violence is increasingly being taken into account
by courts and therapists (see “Throwing the Book at Abusers”).
This annual conference focuses on collaborative efforts to identify,
stop, and prevent abuse.
The conference this year will have two concurrent tracks: Legal/Law
Enforcement and Social Work/Domestic Violence. Continuing education
credits are available for various professions. See the website for
the complete list. Scholarships are also available.
Pet industry joins suit
to defend puppy sales
FOUR TRADE ASSOCIATIONS in the pet industry have joined forces to help
defend the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores in Phoenix, with the goal
of preventing bans elsewhere.
The American Pet Products Association, Pet Industry Joint Advisory
Council, Pet Industry Distributors Association, and World Pet
Association have donated $125,000 to support a lawsuit brought in U.S.
District Court in Phoenix on behalf of the store Puppies ’N Love.
“Bans of this nature often punish stores and breeders who sell quality
pets and breeds that are unavailable in shelters, and these
restrictions threaten our industry,” said APPA President and CEO Bob
Vetere.
The industry representatives said they do see a problem with
substandard breeders and pet stores, but maintain that passing bans is
not the right solution. They point instead to establishing industry-wide
standards to protect animals while ensuring that responsible breeders
and stores are free to conduct their business.
“We cannot allow animal rights activists and misguided elected
officials to destroy small businesses and the hundreds of jobs they
provide with these cynical and wholly ineffectual laws,” said PIDA
President Steve King.
The associations represent pet product manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.