BILL NUMBER:S3157

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the
prohibition on canned shoots

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To prohibit the killing, shooting,
maiming or injuring of certain intentionally confined animals for
sport, amusement or taking of a trophy.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Paragraph a of subdivision 1 of section 11-1904 of the
environmental conservation law, as added by chapter 208 of the
laws of 1999 is amended.
This bill would expand the existing
prohibition on confined shoots on fenced preserves of 10 acres or
less. The bill would remove the existing acreage requirement and
prohibit the deliberate release of an animal confined in a fenced or
other area from which there is no reasonable means for such animal to
escape in the presence of a hunter.  There has been language added
that would prohibit any person who pays any fee to take a live
non-native big game animal.  Fee is defined in the bill to include
but not limited to the payment of any compensation or
remuneration for room.
              

JUSTIFICATION:
Canned hunting is a practice whereby an animal is
staked, caged or otherwise confined for the purpose of being killed
for pleasure. From automatic firearms to spears, almost any type of
weapon can be used to kill prey in a canned hunt. To assure a kill,
the animals are trapped by fences so they can be easily cornered and
prevented from escaping. Canned hunting brutalizes defenseless
animals raised in captivity whose trust in humans makes them hapless
victims of this practice.

Federal and state laws currently offer protections for endangered,
threatened and many indigenous animals. But a lack of specific
prohibitions allows a wide range of animals, including certain
species of bear, llama, zebra and ram to be killed in this manner.

In addition to prohibiting canned hunts, the bill would also restrict
the supply of animals from zoos and game farms to canned hunting
facilities. As recently as the fall of 2006, the closing of the Catskill
Game Farm and the selling off of the animals raised concerns by groups
that advocate for the humane treatment of animals that the herd animals
like gazelles and the trophy animals like rhinoceros would be bought by
a canned hunts in New York State, there would be fewer opportunities
to sell these animals for canned hunts.

The recent outbreak of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which is similar
to "mad cow" disease, in New York State has been linked to captive
deer farms. By outlawing canned shoots NYS can take a preventive step
against the spread of CWD. By prohibiting canned hunting this bill
recognizes that New York State should draw a line between sport and
the cruel savagery of a canned hunt.


PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A.2612 (2008) Passed Assembly
A.9267 (2006) Referred to Environmental Conservation Committee
Similar to A.10188 (2004): Passed Assembly
A.4609-a (2003): Passed Assembly, Passed Senate. Gov. Veto Message 134
Similar to A.1728 (2001-02).
A. 1228-A (1997-98).

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding
the date on which it shall have become law.