END WILDLIFE KILLING CONTESTS


A coyote in the woods.

Submit form urging Gov. Hochul to sign bill banning wildlife killing contests >>

A message from the SPCA’s Cait Daly & Barbara Haney >>

Words from HSUS NYS Director Brian Shapiro >>

Update, July 2023 — Last month the New York State Senate and Assembly passed the bill to end brutal wildlife killing contests. It now heads to the desk of Governor Kathy Hochul, whose approval would make New York State the ninth state in the nation to outlaw such kills. Those interested in encouraging Governor Hochul to sign S. 4099 into law can call (518) 474-8390, or contact her using an on-line contact form here >>


Credit NYSHA & WGRZ-TV

In wildlife killing contests, participants compete to kill coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and other ecologically vital species for cash and prizes. Hundreds of animals may be killed at a single event and countless others may be injured. During springtime contests, dependent young may be orphaned and left to die from starvation, predation or exposure. After the killing is over, the animals are often dumped like trash, away from the public eye.

“It is not a sport, it is not hunting, it is the killing of wildlife.” –NYS Senator Timothy Kennedy told WGRZ-TV in February.

Stopping these contests would not reduce opportunities to hunt coyotes or other wildlife, prohibit big buck competitions or fishing tournaments, prevent the lethal control of wildlife to protect livestock or outlaw field dog trials. It would simply prohibit the competitive killing of wildlife for frivolous prizes. All wildlife species play an important role in healthy ecosystems. It’s time for New York to join Massachusetts, Vermont, Maryland and the five other states that have already outlawed these cruel, unsporting and ecologically destructive events.

TAKE ACTION

Please send a message to your state legislators urging them to support A.2917/S.4099 to end wildlife killing contests, using the form found here >>> . You can also take action using the Wolf Conservation Center form here >>>. Be sure to personalize it so your message stands out.

Send a message to legislators here >>

Additional action through Wolf Conservation Center >>

FAQs on wildlife killing contests >>

See this story on WGRZ-TV >>

Editorial in The Buffalo News >>

Editorial in The Daily Gazette >>

June article by ESPN Radio >>

August letter by local Eagle Scout to Buffalo News Editor >>

Cait Daly & Barb Haney letter in Buffalo News Aug. 30 >>

#SPCACompassionInAction

–SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Student Winners of SPCA Humane Poster & Creative Writing Contest Honored at Ceremony

May 9, 2019
Submitted by: SPCA Humane Education Department

Last night, area children were honored at a special ceremony at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter. The students won prizes in the SPCA’s 2019 Humane Poster & Creative Writing Contest.

This year’s student winners are:

The Anderson/Lowe Award for Artistic Ability:
Joseph Jordan – Buffalo, NY

The Stevens/Barrett Award for Creative Writing:
Louisa Gascoyne – East Aurora, NY

Most Creative Entry:
Ivyana Dragoo Depew, NY

Division 1 (I)
1st Owen Braley – Tapestry Charter School
2nd Christian Eckrote – Valley Community Center
3rd Isabella Dustin – Valley Community Center
Honorable Mention: Natalie Sprandel – Tonawanda, NY

Division 2 (II)
1st Oliver Bennett – Immaculate Conception School
2nd Mathew Mysiak – Holland, NY
3rd Pender Maya –Tapestry Charter School
Honorable Mention: Elise Murphy – Buffalo, NY

Division 3 (III)
1st Ceciella Giallella – Immaculate Conception School
2nd Sophia Costanzo – Orchard Park, NY
3rd Kaylie Kratz – St. Josephs School
Honorable Mention: Abbey Root – St. Joseph’s School

Division 4 (IV)
1st Sipharah Mast – Buffalo NY
2nd Kayla Dorman –Pathways Academy
3rd Amaya Fenandez – Buffalo, NY

Division 5 (V)
1st Shane Connolly – Stanley G. Falk School
2nd Haley Goodrich – Stanley G. Falk School
3rd Shadow Young – Stanley G. Falk School
Honorable Mentions:
Joseph Maracle – Stanley Makowski School
Jeremiah Garner – Stanley G. Falk School

Other winners include the Judy Silver Educator of the Year, Diane Evans, and this year’s Ambassador of Kindness, Vivian Guard.

For information on how you, your child/children, your class, or your school can become involved in the 2020 student competition, please contact SPCA Humane Educator Danielle Talbot at 716-875-7360, ext. 245 or daniellet@yourspca.org.

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