Success: Indiana Will Not Force Slaughter of Wild Animals

Target: Cameron F. Clark, Director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Secretary of the Natural Resources Commission, Indiana

Goal: Support the decision to reject rules that threaten animal welfare, including requiring animal control to put down “nuisance” animals.

The lives of thousands of innocent animals will be saved in Indiana as proposals for controversial new rules are withdrawn. Thanks to adamant public opposition to the rules, including petitions like this one at ForceChange, the state will not mandate that animal control providers euthanize “nuisance” animals like raccoons and opossum rather than humanely setting them free. Another proposal, to allow the hunting of bobcats, was also thankfully rejected, sparing more innocent creatures.

Hundreds of people spoke out against these cruel proposals. One man, Mike Meservy, has worked in pest control for over 17 years and said he would have to shut down his business if these rules went into effect. His practice is to compassionately catch and release these animals, and he could not imagine being forced to unnecessarily kill these innocent creatures. Mr. Meservy stated, “I am thrilled that the committee listened to the concerns of the public.” Sign below to echo this important sentiment and support the decision to spare the lives of thousands of wild animals.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Director Clark,

Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission made a responsible and humane decision in withdrawing new rules that unnecessarily harm wildlife. Hundreds of citizens of Indiana vocally opposed these proposals, and as a leader you have fulfilled your obligation to your state by hearing and heeding their calls.

A mandate to require animal control workers to put down wildlife that is considered a “nuisance” would have been cruel—a senseless and brutal waste of life. The same goes for allowing the hunting of bobcats. These innocent creatures do not deserve to be needlessly killed. Thank you for preventing their deaths. I support Indiana’s withdrawal of these proposals that threaten the welfare of animals.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Paxson Woelber