Once again revealing its conservative rural underpinnings, the Oregon legislature passed a measure that allows bears and cougars to be hunted by dogs with state permission. Cloaked as a dangerous wildlife management measure, it passed the Democratic controlled legislature. There has never been a recorded human fatality caused by a cougar in Oregon. In reality the measure is a stealth trophy hunting bill that allows hunters with political connections to engage in a sport that is hardly sporting. Oregonians to their credit passed a referendum in 1998 that prohibited cougar hunting with dogs, but their will has been ignored by their representatives. Governor Ed Kulongoski claims to be pro environment, but seems poised to sign this cruel and unnecessary bill into law. If you live in Oregon and care about preserving it's remaining wildlife contact his office and tell him to send the bill back to the Legislature for reconsideration.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Oregon Unleashes the Dogs
Once again revealing its conservative rural underpinnings, the Oregon legislature passed a measure that allows bears and cougars to be hunted by dogs with state permission. Cloaked as a dangerous wildlife management measure, it passed the Democratic controlled legislature. There has never been a recorded human fatality caused by a cougar in Oregon. In reality the measure is a stealth trophy hunting bill that allows hunters with political connections to engage in a sport that is hardly sporting. Oregonians to their credit passed a referendum in 1998 that prohibited cougar hunting with dogs, but their will has been ignored by their representatives. Governor Ed Kulongoski claims to be pro environment, but seems poised to sign this cruel and unnecessary bill into law. If you live in Oregon and care about preserving it's remaining wildlife contact his office and tell him to send the bill back to the Legislature for reconsideration.