Ask Governor Perry to Stop Aerial Pig and Coyote Hunting!
Texas Governor Rick Perry recently signed a new law giving licensed hunters the right to shoot feral pigs and coyotes from helicopters, using semiautomatic rifles. The "pork chopper bill" went into effect September 1, 2011, enabling hunters to shoot these animals from the sky after taking safety classes and securing rights from landowners.
While it's true that pigs and coyotes cause property and wildlife damage, shooting them from the sky is an inhumane way to control these intelligent animals. Aerial hunting is likely to cause much pain and suffering, as pigs and coyotes targeted from the sky are more likely to be wounded than killed. More humane solutions to the problem include tightening laws on hog transportation and release, both practices perpetuated by hunters.
Aerial hunting is not the answer. Please ask Gov. Perry to reconsider the new law in favor of more humane control methods.
We, the undersigned, are troubled by the new aerial hog and coyote hunting rules approved in accordance with House Bill 716.
While it's true that feral pigs and coyotes cause property and wildlife damage, we believe that aerial hunting is an inhumane solution to this problem. These animals are more likely to be wounded than killed when shot from a helicopter, and will endure much suffering as a result of this practice. More humane solutions to the problem exist, such as tightening laws on hog transportation and release.
Please reconsider this law in favor of more humane animal control methods. Feral pigs and coyotes are intelligent creatures capable of feeling physical and emotional pain, and should not be hunted in this manner.
Thank you very much for reading and considering our petition.
