Humane Society: Call Michigan State legislators to claim public's right to protect wildlife

[Editor's Update: Yesterday, Apr. 9, just a couple of hours after we posted our article, "Petition against Michigan wolf hunt submitted; Natural Resources Commission to consider DNR wolf hunt proposal," we learned that our State Sen. Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) has now proposed two more bills that would not only facilitate a wolf hunt but also prevent the referendum against PA 520 (his original wolf hunt bill) because these new bills -- SB 288 and SB 289 -- contain appropriations. We are posting here a plea from the Humane Society of the United States concerning this proposed legislation.]

Dear (Michigan resident),

In an appalling power grab by politicians in Lansing, legislation (S.B. 288) has been introduced that would undermine Michiganders' longstanding right to have a say in what happens to the state's wildlife.

Just last month, the Secretary of State received more than 250,000 Michigan voter signatures in support of a referendum petition to keep Michigan wolves protected from trophy hunting. In 2006, voters in Michigan decided via referendum that mourning doves should not be used for target practice. Michigan voters clearly have a longstanding tradition of protecting wildlife.

But now in a stunning assault on our voting rights, S.B. 288 would put all power in the hands of politicians and the Natural Resources Commission, and prevent voters from having a say on these issues. The agency bureaucrats could open a new hunting season on any (game) species without public input ... and there would be no way for voters to intervene.

Please make a brief, polite phone call to Rep. Scott Dianda (517) 373-0850 and Sen. Tom Casperson (517) 373-7840 urging opposition to S.B. 288. You can say, "As your constituent, I'm asking that you please oppose S.B. 288."*

After you call, don't forget to send a follow-up message.
Wayne Pacelle
Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO
(Humane Society of the United States)

* Marquette area residents have been asked to call Sen. Casperson and Rep. John Kivela (517) 373-0498. Michiganders in other districts can click here to find their state representative and senator by simply typing in their zip code. S.B. 288 and S.B. 289 are on the agenda for the April 10, 2013, meeting of the Michigan Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes.