Over the past few decades, trapping in California has had a devastating impact on wildlife populations and continues to put furbearing animals, non-target animals, including threatened and endangered species, people and pets at risk.
Sadly, hundreds of furbearing animals continue to be trapped every year in the state for nothing more than their pelts, which are being sold in foreign markets. Not only is this harming individuals animals, and posing a risk to others, it's also harming local ecosystems — especially when top predators are targeted.
Now, however, conservationists and animal advocates are hopeful that new legislation will end the practice in California for good.
The bill (AB 273), which was just introduced by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, would protect furbearing animals from this cruel and archaic practice by banning commercial trapping in the state.
Not only will it end the suffering of animals who are trapped for their fur, it will also save taxpayers who are currently subsidizing this practice because it's bringing in far less than what's being spent to oversee this program. Additionally, it will also help increase wildlife viewing opportunities, which generate far more revenue than trapping does.
While this bill is bound to face opposition, it's being cosponsored by organizations including the Center for Biological Diversity and Social Compassion in Legislation, and will hopefully garner enough public support to pass.
You can help by signing and sharing this petition urging California lawmakers to protect wildlife by banning commercial trapping throughout the state.
