PA Poachers Get Hunted
24 July 2009
by Anai Rhoads
AnaiRhoads.org -- Poaching is a well-known threat to wildlife everywhere, and Pennsylvania took the ever-growing issue more seriously this month. On 21 July, H.B. 97 was passed by the House by a vote of 196-3 and Thursday H.B. 1859 was passed unanimously, both of which target poachers in the state.
H.B. 97 will address issues revolving around assault of a Wildlife Conservation Officer, various offenses to wildlife, unintentionally killing of wildlife, unlawful use of lights while hunting and buying and selling game. Other points supported by this bill include trespassing on private property while hunting and for unlawful acts concerning licenses.
H.B. 1859 amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, whereby stiffer penalties will be handed down to those who unlawfully kill larger animals. A heavier sentence will be directed at those who poach, further providing security for endangered or threatened species.
"Increasing penalties for serious violations is one of the operational objectives within the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Strategic Plan, and we welcome the House's approval of this measure," said Carl G. Roe, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director. "This bill recognises poaching for the crime that it is; the stealing of natural resources from all Pennsylvanians."
Roe explained that the need to poach animals for financial support is a myth, explaining that most who slaughter these animals are actually done by very wealthy individuals.
"Most often, poaching today is committed by criminals driving $30,000 vehicles, using expensive night-vision technology, illegal silencers and firearms," Roe said. "They poach wildlife for greed, notoriety, money and out of an obsessive behaviour to collect antlers at any cost. A disturbing and increasingly common cause is killing simply for thrill with no intention of making use of any part of the animal."
Representative Edward Staback (D-Lackawanna), chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee is the primary sponsor of the bill. H.B. 1859 now heads to the Senate for consideration before being sent to Gov. Edward G. Rendell to be implemented.
A phone number has been established for those who witness wildlife-related crimes involving the illegal killing of multiple big game animals or threatened and endangered species. If you see illegal activity, please call the Pennsylvania Game Commission's toll-free "Turn In a Poacher" telephone number at 1-888-PGC-8001.
Please note that all callers will have the opportunity to remain anonymous. The TIP hotline will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A $100 reward will be given to those who lead investigators to solving the crime.
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