Press Release Archive:
State Ordered to Take New Action to Protect Lynx from Trappers
Minneapolis, MN — After issuing a critical ruling in March declaring the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) in violation of the Endangered Species Act for its authorization of trapping within lynx habitat, a Minneapolis federal court yesterday issued a ruling mandating:
- Restrictions on use of certain types of body-gripping traps and snare use in Lynx habitat;
- Prohibition on the use of fresh meat as bait;
- DNR must operate a telephone hotline during trapping season to receive reports of incidentally trapped lynx; and
- DNR must rehabilitate lynx injured from trapping.
Court Rules in Favor of Threatened Lynx
Minnesota's State Trapping Program Violates Endangered Species Act
Minneapolis, MN — A federal judge today ruled that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is in violation of the Endangered Species Act for allowing trappers to set traps and snares that catch, injure, and kill Canada lynx, a protected species. The case was filed on behalf of Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute (Born Free USA) and the Center for Biological Diversity. The court ordered the state to take all action necessary to ensure that no further takings of lynx will occur by trapping activities within core lynx habitat.
Animal Traps Restricted in Maine
Consent Decree in Endangered Species Act Lawsuit Protects Lynx
Bangor, ME — The Animal Protection Institute (API) today announced a consent decree has been signed in its suit against the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W) to stop the agency from continuing to violate the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by allowing trappers to use traps that catch, injure and sometimes kill threatened and endangered species, such as lynx. The consent decree was signed by United States District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr.. in Bangor, Maine.
Wildlife Protection Groups File Suit to Stop Delisting of Gray Wolves in Great Lakes Region
Washington, DC — Today, wildlife protection groups filed suit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over its decision to remove the protections of the Endangered Species Act from gray wolves living in the western Great Lakes region. The groups include The Humane Society of the United States, Help Our Wolves Live, and the Animal Protection Institute.
New England cottontail found to warrant listing as an endangered species
Lawsuit against U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service dismissed after “warranted but precluded” finding
Washington, DC — The Animal Protection Institute (API), a national animal advocacy organization, along with David Wade, founder of the Endangered Small Animal Conservation Foundation, have dismissed a lawsuit brought against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to list the New England cottontail rabbit on the federal endangered species list.
Wildlife Protection Coalition Files Suit to Protect Endangered African Antelope from “Canned” Hunts
Species in Danger of Extinction Shouldn’t be Shot for Profit, Groups Say
San Francisco, CA — Wildlife protection groups filed suit today in the Northern District of California to prevent the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) from allowing canned hunting of three endangered antelope species. The plaintiffs include The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Defenders of Wildlife, Born Free USA, the Kimya Institute, and a number of individuals.
SJ City Council to Consider Reversing 15-Year Ban on Leghold Traps to Trap and Kill Coyotes
Evidence Points to Scare Tactics and Lack of Education/Prevention as Cause For Recent Problems at Villas of Almaden
San Jose, CA — The San Jose City Council will today revisit a request to trap and kill coyotes at the Villas of Almaden, a gated community within the city limits that just two years ago allowed coyotes to be killed on its private property. Today, Vice Mayor Dando, sponsor of the measure, is expected to again pursue a plan to allow the use of the controversial leghold trap, a device that has been banned in San Jose since 1989 and in more than 80 countries and eight states for humane reasons. An emergency measure to exempt the Villas from a city-wide ban on the use of leghold traps failed two weeks ago.
The National Wildlife Refuge System: A Betrayal of Trust
Probe Finds More Promote Hunting & Trapping than Wildlife Viewing
Sacramento, CA — October 10-16 has been officially designated as National Wildlife Refuge Week, but a review of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) data by the Animal Protection Institute (API) has found little reason to celebrate. A review of agency information has revealed that a majority of national wildlife refuges allow “sport” hunting and trapping and that more refuges offer programs for killing animals than for watching them! In September, President George W. Bush opened an additional 243,500 acres of public lands on 17 refuges to recreational killing of wildlife. In addition, on September 28 the FWS signed a four-year agreement with the Archery Trade Association, the Bowhunting Preservation Alliance, and Arrowsport to increase archery and bowhunting opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges.
