 At the
request of Dane County Humane Society and several other organizations and
individuals in our state, Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project is asking our supporters
once again to contact their state senators and ask them to oppose a piece of
legislation that could prove hazardous to Wisconsin dogs.
The
intent of SB-226 is to grow interest and participation in traditional hunting,
fishing and trapping. One of the several provisions of the bill
REQUIRES that any lands acquired through the
Stewardship Program MUST allow trapping (along with hunting, cross-country
skiing, fishing and hiking) on those lands -- apparently including
public parklands. To read all the provisions of SB-226, please click on the
link below.
 SB-226
Wisconsin has been able
to hold up its very successful Stewardship Program as a shining example of
successful use of public funds to preserve the integrity of our landscape and
environment. It seems to us that REQUIRING specific uses of the land would be
in direct opposition to the spirit of the Stewardship program, in which the DNR
may examine all the circumstances -- such as current uses of the land by
nature-lovers who enjoy walking, birding, camping, etc. -- before designating
that the land may be used for trapping, including the type of body-gripping
trap that killed a dog in Oregon, WI, last October.
Dog Killed In Trap Near Nature Conservancy
It also seems common sense that these traps would be a
hazard to those participating in the other proposed mandated uses of the same
land -- hunters (and their dogs), fishermen, cross-country skiiers, and hikers
(and their dogs)! Many of these are outdoor activities families
like to participate in with their children, who love to wander and explore in
nature.
Naturalists, animal
lovers, hikers, and others PAY FOR these spaces and want to use them without
fear. They expect to be safe on State-owned public land.
Senator Risser has submitted an
amendment that would prohibit people from setting, placing or operating a
body-gripping trap unless the trap is smaller than 36 square inches or unless
it is at least half-submerged in water. This would be a band-aid measure at
best, but better than nothing.
PLEASE
phone or email your state Senator and ask him/ her to OPPOSE SB-226 -- and to support Senator
Risser’s Amendment 2 to this bill.
Who
Are My Legislators?
Though
defeating SB-226 woud not eliminate these traps from use in Wisconsin, it would
certainly help keep use from expanding -- and it would possibly save lives.
Remember, when
corresponding with your elected officials, you can be firm and passionate while
still being respectful and courteous!
SB-226 Bill
History
Sample Message Format:
The Honorable (legislator's
name)
His/her address
City, State, Zip
Dear Sen. Name:
I am
writing to state my opposition to Senate Bill 226, which, among other
provisions, would REQUIRE that any lands acquired through the Stewardship
Program allow trapping (along with hunting, cross-country skiing, fishing and
hiking) on those lands.
[In one or two short paragraphs,
state why you oppose this bill. It is important that you tell them this in
your own words!]
[Also, in your own words, let
your senator know that you do support Senator Risser's Amendment 2 regulating
body-gripping traps (see above) though you sincerely hope
that SB-226 will not be passed at all.]
Thank your senator for his/her
support.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address
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