The C.A.S.H. Courier Newsletter
Big Win for Raccoons in Georgia
by Julie Robertson
When animal advocates found out that Georgia House Bill 423 was gaining
momentum fur begin to fly. HB 423 would have allowed raccoons in Georgia to
be trapped and used in terrifying field trial competitions where they are
held in cages while hunters train their dogs to "tree-them". Terrified caged
raccoons are flung high into trees or hauled across a field or body of water
as frantic, barking dogs give chase. They are forced to endure this ordeal
repeatedly-sometimes for hours on end.
In spite of the wealth, lobbying power, and political influence, sponsors
of the bill had no idea what they were up against. In fact, most thought
that HB 423 would pass with flying colors. The bill had already passed
through the state house with only one opposing vote, and was poised to pass
through the senate. That's when local groups, Georgia Animal Rights and
Protection and the League of Humane Voters, sent out an emergency call for
help. Word spread and immediately animal activists, animal welfare groups,
and compassionate citizens from all over Georgia and around the world
responded en masse.
E-mails, calls, and a petition that received more than 20,000 signatures
began pouring in to the state senators and Governor. The outcry was heard
loud and clear by legislators and HB 423 was defeated.
This is an incredible example of how the nonviolent, pro-wildlife
public can come together to defeat hunters and trappers. If it can happen in
Georgia, it can happen everywhere.
Georgia Animal Rights and
Go on to Guest Comment by Lane Ferrante,
Ohio Coordinator of the League of Humane Voters who writes in opposition to
urban deer killing
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