Pigeon Shooting Ban Could be Amended into House Bill 1750

[melody]

Pigeon Shooting Ban Could be Amended into House Bill 1750

Discussions are underway in the Pennsylvania Senate to amend House Bill 1750 (slaughter or sale of cats and dogs for human consumption) with the Pigeon Shooting Ban language in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

These attempts could be made any day now, and your immediate action is needed to ensure this anti-hunting amendment is defeated.

This legislation would criminalize organized pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania by amending Title 18 ("Crimes and Offenses") of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

Pigeon shooting is an historic and legitimate activity steeped in tradition. It has many participants throughout the Commonwealth and around the world. Shoots have been held in Pennsylvania for more than a hundred years. The participants are law-abiding, ethical shooting enthusiasts, hunters, and sportsmen who would not tolerate an activity that would constitute cruelty to animals.

Of course, opposition to pigeon shooting does not come from within the Commonwealth but from the outside. National "animal rights" groups, led by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), have organized and funded efforts in Pennsylvania and around the country to ban this longstanding traditional shooting sport. Make no mistake, this isn't just about banning pigeon shooting, but banning all hunting species by species. Today, its pigeon shooting, tomorrow deer hunting. Remember, Wayne Pacelle, the CEO of HSUS has said, "If we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would." He has even admitted, "We are going to use the ballot box and the democratic process to stop all hunting in the United States... We will take it species by species until all hunting is stopped..."


Please contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to OPPOSE a pigeon hunting ban amendment to HB 1750.

Senate Judiciary Committee Members:

Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf (R-12), Chairman
[phone]
[e-mail]

Senator Daylin Leach (D-17), Minority Chairman
[phone]

Senator John C. Rafferty Jr. (R-44)
[phone]
[e-mail]

Senator Joseph B. Scarnati III (R-25)
[phone]
[e-mail]

Senator Richard L. Alloway II (R-33)
[phone]
[e-mail]

Senator John H. Eichelberger Jr. (R-30)
[phone]
[e-mail]

Senator John R. Gordner (R-27)
[phone]
E-mail

Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9)
[phone]
E-mail

Senator Randy Vulakovich (R-40)
[phone]
E-mail

Senator Gene Yaw (R-23)
[phone]
[e-mail]

Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-18)
[phone]
[e-mail]

Senator Lawrence M. Farnese Jr. (D -1)
[phone]
[e-mail]

Senator Wayne D. Fontana (D -42)
[phone]
[e-mail]

Senator Michael J. Stack (D-5)
[phone]
[e-mail]

[melody]

The bill and amendment are on the calendar for today's Judiciary Committee meeting. Word has it Alloway is a yes vote.

[Deleted]

Don't surprise me none. Alloway has probably read the tea leaves and figures he can get more votes from the anti hunting crowd with a minimal impact from "Real" hunters who don't care about such stuff. HSUS/PETA will keep on nibbling away at hunting, one issue at a time. Thses folks get their knowledge about nature from Disney cartoons. First pigeon shoots. Next, dove hunting. Why not ban hunting for them cute little peter cottontails? Bambi?

[dougell]

I don't want to get into the debate on pigeon shoots but I don't see what it has to do with hunting.The majority of non-hunters support or at the least could care less about fair chase hunting.

[Dutch]

Alloway's legislative aid or whatever she is called, Melissa Knepper, is a member of HSUS.

[bushmaster]

I'm not a fan of Pigeon shoots, but I'm not in favor of it being banned either. It just opens the door for similar bans that might effect hunters.

[Dutch]

You mean like commercial shooting preserves putting pheasants and chukars out?

Not that I agree with shooting pigeons, but what is the next step for HSUS after pigeons??

[melody]

Senate Judiciary Committee
6/26/14, 9:30 a.m., Room 8E-B East Wing
By Matt Hess

The committee met to consider bills and judicial nominees.

HB 1750 Maher, John - (PN 2650) Amends Title 18 (Crimes & Offenses) adding a new subsection further providing for the offense of cruelty to animals. A person commits an offense if the person kills a dog or cat, regardless of ownership of the animal, for the purpose of human consumption; processes dog or cat meat for the purpose of human consumption; breeds, keeps, sells, offers for sale or transfers a cat or dog for the purpose of human consumption; or offer dog or cat meat for human consumption. A person that violates this new subsection commits a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $1,000 to $10,000, to imprisonment of not more than five years, or both. A person that violates this new subjection and who has committed a prior offense commits a felony of the third degree and shall be sentenced to pay a fine of $2,500-$15,000 or to imprisonment of up to seven years, or both. "Prior offense" is defined. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2485) - The bill was reported as amended with Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair), Sen. John Gordner (R-Columbia), Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), and Sen. Joseph Scarnati (R-Jefferson) voting in the negative.

A04814 by Alloway, prohibits the use of a dog, cat or any other live animal or foul for a target, trap or block shoot. The amendment was adopted with Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair), Sen. John Gordner (R-Columbia), Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) , Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) and Sen. Joseph Scarnati (R-Jefferson) voting in the negative.

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) questioned where dogs and cats are used for a trap shoot in Pennsylvania. Republican Executive Director Gregg Warner indicated that the amendment mainly addresses pigeon shoots and includes dogs and cats to help address the single purpose issue.

Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) said he supports the underlying bill but took issue with the procedure in order to address pigeon shoots.

Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair) pointed out that municipalities poison, shock, trap, and kill pigeons. "Pigeons are a nuisance and health hazard in our cities and we don't think twice about we're doing to them there," he stated. "I don't understand the logic."

Sen. Joseph Scarnati (R-Jefferson) made a motion to table the amendment. The motion failed with Sen. Eichelberger, Sen. John Gordner (R-Columbia), Sen. Rafferty, Sen. Yaw, and Sen. Scarnati voting in the affirmative.

Sen. Alloway took issue with the National Rifle Association labeling him anti-Second Amendment because of his stance on pigeon shoots. "For someone to attack me and say I'm somehow not hunter, not a sportsman, not a second amendment guy is just outrageous," he stated. "When I see this blood sport of pigeon shooting I reject it and I stand firm on it and I'm not going to move on it."

[Dutch]

Alloway is a dangerous and stupid politician.

Richie thinks he has all the answers and he doesn't even have a clue. I'm not just talking this issue.

[galthatfishes]

First, they go after pigeon shoots, then doves. You know, birds of peace- the ones they let go at weddings and funerals. And "that man" Alloway votes against hunters on this AND on Sunday hunting.


Sen. Alloway took issue with the National Rifle Association labeling him anti-Second Amendment because of his stance on pigeon shoots. "For someone to attack me and say I'm somehow not hunter, not a sportsman, not a second amendment guy is just outrageous," he stated. "When I see this blood sport of pigeon shooting I reject it and I stand firm on it and I'm not going to move on it."

And let me add; he attacks anyone and everyone, including the NRA that dare speak against him on an issue. He is a bully.

You should read the letters to the editor he writes regarding his own constituents that dare speak out against him

[galthatfishes]

First, that man alloway he says he will not vote in favor of Sunday hunting, and now he wants to end pigeon shoots. Thats twice he has aligned with the HSUS; the largest anti-hunting organization in the country.

And now he is bad mouthing the NRA. Wow.

Rumor has it that just a few weeks ago he was badmouthing me and Hunters United for Sunday Hunting at the Outdoor witers thing.

[galthatfishes]

HSUS on bear hunting: www.humanesociety.org/issues/bear_hunting/

[galthatfishes]

HSUS on mountain lion hunting- www.ussportsmen.org/hunting/attempts-to-ban-mountain-lion-hunting-fail-in-nebraska/

Yep, they ARE anti-hunting, one species at a time

[galthatfishes]

HSUS on dove hunting: www.humanesociety.org/issues/dove_shoot/

Direct from the web site
"

Mourning doves are the traditional bird of peace and a beloved backyard songbird. But some people use mourning doves as live targets, sometimes calling them "cheap skeet." Hunters kill more doves each year—more than 20 million—than any other animal in the country.
Doves are not overpopulated, and hunting them doesn't feed anyone or help manage wildlife. Mourning doves—called the "farmer's friend" because they eat weed seeds—pose no threat to crops, homes or anything of value to people.

Many hunters don't bother to retrieve the dead or wounded birds.

American kestrels, sharp-shinned hawks, and other federally protected birds look like doves and can be shot by mistake.

Mourning doves nest during the fall hunting season, and hunting can orphan chicks, who starve in the nest without their parents' care "

[galthatfishes]

For anyone who doesn't think Doves are next, just look- Attachment Deleted

And here is their facebook page. www.facebook.com/HumanePA

[GlennD]

I'm thinking the bill has other precedent setting issues that go beyond shooting pigeons. It is a ban on eating animals traditionally considered pets. Today cats and dogs. Tomorrow pigs and goats. Next chickens and ducks. And let's not leave out the 4H kids prize steer at the fair that gets purchased for slaughter by the meat processors.

We are being over legislated. If I were Czar, politicians would not be allowed to introduce a new bill without delete two others first.

:/

[galthatfishes]

Ya know Glenn, you are right. Brad's brother killed a bobcat and we ate it. It was very good. I'm sure some cultures eat dogs and cats- just like some eat beef, or poultry, and others EXCLUDE things like pork, llama, cow.... Why is the Government telling me what foods I can eat? Seriously? I don't THINK I ever ate dog, but as many places as I've been; who knows. Its meat.

[dougell]

Jun 26, 2014 21:48:51 GMT -5 galthatfishes said:

HSUS on bear hunting: www.humanesociety.org/issues/bear_hunting/

The HSUS is a bunch of wackos who attack everything but few take them serious.Most non-hunters support or at least tolerate hunting.They understand the need to manage game and they understand that people hunt for food and sport if it's fair chase.Most detest killing just for the thrill of killing.Pigeon shoots have nothing to do with hunting and hunters lose credibility if they try to stand with the pigeon guys.It's a battle best not fought by hunters since it has nothing to do with hunting.

Bear hunting is easily defended as they need managed.The only defense to pigeon shoots is tradition.

[galthatfishes]

Doug,

Pigeon breast is GREAT in spaghetti sauce. Ask MANY old time Italians. They are a non-native disease carrier; and some people DO eat them.

All that aside, agree with the shoots or not; once they conquer pigeons, ALL of those other things are next. And guess what? The legislature is listening to them.

Its a slipery slope.

[dougell]

I've eaten quite a few doves and imagine pigeons wouldn't be half bad which throws a monkey wrench into the fiasco.Why don't they clean,pluck and eat these pigeons?Look,I could care less about these pigeon shoots and won't lobby to have them stopped.However,I do understand why so many people find them distasteful.It has nothing to do with hunting any more than the slaughtering cows does and I don't feel that it's a fight worth fighting for.

[dougell]

The bottom line with me is,I don't see one legitimate argument for pigeon shoots other than tradition and sport and that isn't good enough for most non-hunters.Most people negatively impacted by hoards of pigeons wouldn't be in a tizzy to see them disapear but few people have actual problems with them.However,they can probably accept poisoning,shooting and trapping without much issue.However,when they're bred and raised to be shot,that doesn't sit well with many people,especially if they have a chance to escape.That kinda defeats the argument of getting rid of the pests.This issue won't be won by the general public.I just don't think it's worth fighting over.

[bawanajim]

It is truly sad that in todays world, shame is not in its self enough, to end these ridicules displays.
They are un defendable embarrassment to hunters and competition shooters alike, it certainly shouldn't take regulations to end them.

[GlennD]

Jun 27, 2014 8:04:34 GMT -5 galthatfishes said:

Ya know Glenn, you are right. Brad's brother killed a bobcat and we ate it. It was very good. I'm sure some cultures eat dogs and cats- just like some eat beef, or poultry, and others EXCLUDE things like pork, llama, cow.... Why is the Government telling me what foods I can eat? Seriously? I don't THINK I ever ate dog, but as many places as I've been; who knows. Its meat.

In some Asian countries, if you have more than one dog you are considered a Rancher!



I know people love their dogs and cats. I have had many myself and who could not love their pets? I also love game animals just like most of my fellow hunters. What is cuter than a newborn bunny rabbit or a newborn fawn? But, when those animals get to harvest size, they end up on the plate with the potatoes just like the fish did yesterday. The Bible tells me that "meat" was put here for man to use.

Genesis 9:3 "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything."

and more:
www.openbible.info/topics/eating_meat

[melody]

UPDATE:

The pigeon shooting ban was amended into HB 1750, and the bill just passed the Senate late tonight.

HB 1750 Maher, John (R) Amends Title 18 (Crimes & Offenses), in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of cruelty to animals.
10-15-14 Final Passage (Vote Y: 36/N: 12)



Yeas
Alloway, Richard(R); Baker, Lisa(R); Blake, John(D); Boscola, Lisa(D); Brewster, Jim(D); Browne, Patrick(R); Corman, Jake(R); Costa, Jay(D); Dinniman, Andrew(D); Erickson, Edwin(R); Farnese, Lawrence(D); Ferlo, Jim(D); Fontana, Wayne(D); Greenleaf, Stewart(R); Hughes, Vincent(D); Kitchen, Shirley(D); Leach, Daylin(D); Mensch, Bob(R); Pileggi, Dominic(R); Rafferty, John(R); Schwank, Judy(D); Smith, Matt(D); Solobay, Timothy(D); Stack, Michael(D); Tartaglione, Christine(D); Teplitz, Rob(D); Tomlinson, Robert(R); Vance, Pat(R); Vogel, Jr., Elder(R); Vulakovich, Randy(R); Wagner, Scott(R); Ward, Kim(R); Wiley, Sean(D); Williams, Anthony(D); Wozniak, John(D); Yudichak, John(D)


NAYS - 12
Argall, David(R); Brubaker, Michael(R); Eichelberger, John(R); Folmer, Mike(R); Gordner, John(R); Hutchinson, Scott(R); Kasunic, Richard(D); Robbins, Bob(R); Scarnati, Joseph(R); Smucker, Lloyd(R); White, Donald(R); Yaw, Gene(R)

PRESENT-NOT-VOTING - 0

ABSENT - 2
McIlhinney, Charles(R); Washington, LeAnna(D)


Since it was amended in the Senate, it still needs to go back to the House for concurrence. The animal rights groups are looking at this as a huge win. We must stop the House from concurring. Many have concluded that if the bill becomes law, it will ban any and all live bird shoots in any type of confined area. Meaning chukar/pheasant hunts where birds are released from any type of device.

[GlennD]

Just the tip of the iceberg.. the basis of the argument is the pigeons are not being used, just shot as pests..

What about ground hogs?
Starlings?
Black birds?
Rats?
Coyotes?
Asian Carp?

Will the HSUS approve of my stomping a Stink bug?

Alloway is a prime example of an elected idiot.. who will likely be reelected by a constituency of idiots..