SACRAMENTO, CA (October 12, 2019) – In Defense of Animals is proud to welcome news that Assembly Bill 1251 has been signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom to prohibit all bobcat hunting in the state. AB 1254, sponsored by Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager-Dove, makes it unlawful to hunt, trap or otherwise “take” a bobcat except in specified circumstances such as with a depredation permit. 

“We are thrilled to welcome this important law which will protect thousands of these shy, solitary animals from being ruthlessly killed by trophy hunters each year,” said Fleur Dawes, Communications Director of In Defense of Animals. “This law reflects the public’s deepening respect for wild animals and rejection of killing animals for fun. We thank Assemblymember Kamlager-Dove, Governor Newsom, and thousands of In Defense of Animals supporters for acting in defense of bobcats and hope other states will be inspired to crack down on trophy hunting.”

In the past decade, a small number of trophy hunters killed over 10,000 California bobcats. The hunting and gun industries lobbied heavily against AB 1254 to protect their bloodthirsty interests.

Bobcats are California natives who play an essential role in the state’s ecosystems. Sadly, they often become victims of trophy hunting, car collisions, and rodenticide poisons, and also face habitat loss and wildfires, which all contribute to declining population numbers.

In Defense of Animals and other animal protection organizations campaigned tirelessly to push the lifesaving legislation forward. In Defense of Animals supporters made scores of calls and signed hundreds of letters to protect bobcats from trophy hunters and can now celebrate this momentous victory for animal activists and for bobcats in California.

Learn more and take action for wild animals at www.idausa.org/savewildanimals. 

Images: http://bit.ly/bobcatvictory

Contact: Fleur Dawes, 415-879-6879, fleur@idausa.org

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In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 36-year history of fighting for animals, people and the environment through education, campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, and rural Mississippi.

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