Trapping Ban Threat in Michigan.....Help Needed

[gooser]

I received an email explaining a trapping ban Bill in the House.This is for Michigan but if passed will most likely carry over to other states as well. I wrote an email to this Representative stating that I do not support this bill at all. Should this bill get passed,then it is almost certain that Hunting will be attacked next.
 Please give your support by contacting these people and saying NO to this bill.


 This is what I received.

Jeff
you should write a email protesting this house bill, if it passes the next thing to go will be hunting.

Michigan Representative Introduces Anti-trapping Legislation

 

Michigan Representative Lorence Wenke (R, Richland) has introduced legislation which threatens Michigan’s trapping and outdoor recreation heritage.  If passed, House Bill 4497 (Wenke) will eliminate the use of leghold traps in Michigan.

 

The Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) fully supports trapping as a means of both recreation and predator management in Michigan.  Raccoons, coyotes, opossum, and many other species which can easily become overpopulated in areas where hunting and other population control measures are either not feasible or cost prohibitive.  In these instances trapping is an essential mechanism to keep local populations in check and prevent them from becoming overly abundant.

 

Without proper population management raccoons and other small predator species have the ability to wreak havoc on reptile and amphibian populations, produce severe disease concerns (such as rabies and distemper), and have an immense negative impact on farmers and their livestock.  By prohibiting the use of “leghold” traps the proposed legislation takes away a vital tool in the continued management of these potentially nuisance species.

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP.  Your calls, e-mails, and letters are needed to be certain that this bill doesn’t see the light of day.  HB 4497 has been referred to Representative Joe Sheltrown’s (D, West Branch) committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Natural Resources.  Call Representative Sheltrown and tell him that HB 4497 is dangerous and should not be brought forward in Committee.  Representative Sheltrown’s phone number is 888/347-8103.  Contact information for Representative Sheltrown’s fellow committee members can also be found attached to the bottom of this alert.

 

Also, contact Representative Wenke and ask him why he would support legislation that eliminates effective predator control in some parts of Michigan.  The Representative’s contact information is:


Representative Lorence Wenke

District 63

9180 West Gull Lake Drive

Richland, MI  49083

lorencewenke@house.mi.gov







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[RdFx]

Keep us informed on what is happening as this progresses.   A note though, possibly the term (leghold) should be replaced with like term  (foothold).   Using proper size traps  result in foot hold and not leghold especially in canines.

[Specklebelly]

Gooser

The last few years I have been pretty active in state politics for my job and have learned a lot about how "things work" in the Legislatures.  Ironically we have a law being proposed in Michigan this year.  To be honest it is an overall quite disturbing process but it is still the best system out there.

With that aside, this bill could possibly have been introduced just to satisfy a constituent with no intent of it making out of committee.  Some little old lady probably watched some PETA movie and called her Senator. 

If he gets hit hard with opposition, he could pull it and say he tried.  However if he is serious and with your political climate he might have some momentum. 

I wouldn't write letters, instead make phone calls or show up at the Capitol.

[gooser]

specklebelly, I did write an email to him expressing my concerns about this issue. I hope your right and nothing will come of it..
 

[Chris Potts]

I also sent him an email. I am going to copy in his response below.


Dear Chris:
 
Thank you for contacting my office regarding House Bill 4497.  I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns about the outcomes of this proposed bill.
 
HB 4497 has been referred to the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee.  The chairmen, Rep. Joel Sheltrown has informed me under no uncertain terms that he will not consider or move HB 4497.  I have also agreed not to push for it or request any further consideration.  This bill will die at the end of 2008 when the current legislative session ends.
 
Please know that I have also forwarded your e-mail to your State Representative Frank Accavitti.  I am sure that his office will also represent your concerns should this bill ever be discussed.

Again, thank you for contacting my office.  If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Lorence Wenke
State Representative
63rd District

P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI  48909-7514

[gooser]

  thanks chris, I really appreciate your help.
 gooser.