"(Activists say) prairie dogs are not detrimental to the agricultural community, and I'm here to tell you they are," said Bill Canterbury of the cattlemen's association. "They destroy the grasslands, create holes and even encroach on hayfields during drought years. We've had livestock break their legs."
You know these cattlemen are lying and just have it in for the p-dog... [/sarcasm]
Tom
Plea To Halt Prairie Dog Killings Advances
By Todd Hartman, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Friday, March 14, 2008
The Colorado Wildlife Commission watches video of a prairie dog hunt Thursday.
The group WildEarth Guardians asked for rules to ban using the animals
for gory target practice.
The Colorado Wildlife Commission watches video of a prairie dog hunt Thursday. The group WildEarth Guardians asked for rules to ban using the animals for gory target practice.
More Colorado Government
The Colorado Wildlife Commission expressed disgust with videos glorifying violent prairie dog kills and agreed to review a petition from activists who want an end to using wild animals as "target practice."
WildEarth Guardians, backed with legal help from University of Denver law school students, asked commissioners Thursday to end the shooting of wildlife as a spectacle for amusement.
While commissioners didn't commit to banning such practices, they agreed to discuss it further with activists and draft possible regulations to address some of the issues raised.
"I find the practice of popping prairie dogs in the field and having little giggle sessions around it extremely objectionable," said commissioner Brad Coors.
Coors and others were reacting to exhibits that included Internet videos called "Maximum Carnage," with segments such as "The Prairie Dog Olympics" that show the creatures flying through the air when shot or disintegrating into "red mist" to the joy of triggermen.
He and other commissioners said the actions taint other hunters who have a high regard for wildlife and employ ethical hunting practices.
"I'm jubilant," said Wendy Keefover-Ring of WildEarth Guardians, who has often met with defeat at the governor-appointed Wildlife Commission, but saw Thursday's action as a victory. "They could have shut us down right now."
The commission's decision to review the matter came over objections from the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, the Colorado Wool Growers Association and landowners.
"(Activists say) prairie dogs are not detrimental to the agricultural community, and I'm here to tell you they are," said Bill Canterbury of the cattlemen's association. "They destroy the grasslands, create holes and even encroach on hayfields during drought years. We've had livestock break their legs."
It is unclear what specific rules might emerge from the petition.
