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A few weeks ago, we asked our California supporters to oppose a legislative effort to expand hunting and fishing opportunities for kids with life-threatening illnesses.

Unfortunately, the bill passed the Senate, and now it's in the Assembly. While it's been placed on hold because of the expenses it may incur, assembly members need to hear you to oppose this bill!

The bill, SB 1021, which was introduced by Sen. Steven Choi, would require the Fish and Game Commission, in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and nonprofits, to establish a program to increase opportunities to “fish and hunt big game, wild pigs, upland game birds and migratory game birds” for youth, reportedly as young as 5, with life-threatening illness.

Supporters of the bill may be right in pointing to the healing power of nature and the need to create opportunities for youth to have more experiences for themselves and to share with loved ones outdoors, especially if they're terminally ill, but there's no need to create a program that promotes and normalizes violence against animals, especially since Choi's office is touting this as an opportunity to recruit the “next generation of our state's declining conservationists.”

Maybe he meant to say hunters and not conservationists, because killing isn't conservation, and California's hunting culture is shrinking fast; paid hunting license holders have dropped by roughly 70% over the past 50 years, and the state now has the lowest per capita rate of hunting license holders in the country.

This also ignores the detrimental impact of exposing children to violence against animals and how it can desensitize them to the suffering of others. Even the United Nations has declared that children have a right to be protected from being exposed to violence.

It would be more appropriate to start a program for terminally ill and other disabled or disadvantaged youth that would allow them to explore nature, hike, camp, sail, watch wildlife, participate in habitat restoration projects, and learn about our wild neighbors — without killing them.

Unfortunately, the bill was passed by the Senate and sent to the Assembly, where it was progressing before being suspended.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Decision makers: California state assembly members

Subject: Oppose SB 1021, which promotes violence against children and harms wildlife

As someone concerned with wildlife and conservation, I’m writing to urge you to oppose SB 1021, which would establish a program to increase opportunities to fish and hunt for youth, reportedly as young as 5, with life-threatening illnesses.
 
The bill, which was introduced by Sen. Steven Choi, would require the Fish and Game Commission, in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and nonprofits, to establish a program to increase opportunities to “fish and hunt big game, wild pigs, upland game birds and migratory game birds.”
 
It’s disappointing that the appropriations committee passed this, considering it’s not known what this will entail in terms of costs and resource allocation.
 
This bill also ignores the detrimental impact of exposing children to violence against animals and how it can desensitize them to the suffering of others. Even the United Nations has declared that children have a right to be protected from being exposed to
violence.
 
It would be more appropriate to start a program for terminally ill and other disabled or disadvantaged youth that would allow them to explore nature, hike, camp, sail, watch wildlife, participate in habitat restoration projects, and learn about our wild neighbors — without killing them.
 
I sincerely hope you will oppose this bill. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.