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Health & Fitness

Wolf Hunt Part 2

Animal Welfare goes beyond dogs and cats. It involves humane decisions regarding all animals. This includes those we eat, wear, and hunt.

I do appreciate and read all comments.    We may not always agree; however,  your input is valued.    There are issues we can accept even if we do not approve.  There are also issues we cannot accept and cannot approve of.    Can  I base my support of a candidate on this single issue - yes.   This is the case with the Wolf Hunt.

My reasons are as follows.  Animal Welfare involves more than dogs and cats.    It's promoting the humane treatment of all animals.    Yes, we kill animals for food, clothing, and sport.    I was raised on a farm and am very aware of the life and death cycle.    This is something I accept.    

Minnesota law describes animals as "every living creature except members of the human race."      Minnesota law also defines torture and cruelty as "every act, omission, or neglect which causes or permits unnecessary or unjustifiable pain, suffering, or death".

Why, then,  would we accept a continuation of leg hold traps?    They are cruel - much more so than one well placed bullet.   They cause pain and suffering to not only the intended target but to other animals as well.  Traps are hidden, may be scented, and may be placed on or near wildlife trails.    

The Wolf was removed from the endangered list.    There was a 5 year waiting period regarding wolf management.   The DNR came to the Legislature last year asking for the Legislature to remove the five year wait on a management plan for wolves. The Governor did not object to lifting the 5 year waiting period.

The DNR had pushed for this and the Legislature and Governor have approved.     We are accepting and approving a form of killing that goes against State law.     It is inhumane and should not be accepted.     Therefore, I cannot vote for any candidate that supports this law nor will I donate to the DNR.    Yes, the Legislature does many good things - although several of the past sessions have made me wonder.    The DNR also does good things.   However, this decision is unjustified.   Why would we accept the intentional, deliberate promotion of animal cruelty by endorsing the use of leg hold traps?   Are we giving the DNR too much power?    Are we not holding the people we have elected accountable?    Yes, perhaps we are.

So, going back to the original question:   Can I base my support of a candidate on this single issue?   Yes.   

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