As the long fight over the passage of the Families Afield apprentice hunter bill in Wisconsin in now in the governor’s hands, PETA continues its attempt to block the legislation.
Today, the Wisconsin sportsman community eagerly awaits the signature of Governor Jim Doyle on the recently passed legislation expanding hunting opportunities in the state. However, if PETA has its way, the legislation would be dead and certainly would not have moved forward.
In a letter to the editor that recently ran in multiple Wisconsin papers, PETA criticized the much needed measure. PETA trotted out its tired message that “In this culture of escalating youth violence, it is irresponsible and downright dangerous to teach our children how to kill.”
Quite to the contrary, the Wisconsin Families Afield Bill removes barriers to new hunters and creates a mentoring program proven to be a safe and valuable way to expose a new generation to a traditional, enjoyable pastime. As such, PETA’s level of opposition to this bill was unexpected by most involved.
The organization’s position, however, should not come as a surprise. After all, PETA opposes all hunting…and livestock farming…and medical research involving animals…and zoos etc.
“This represents an escalation by PETA,” said Rob Sexton vice president for government affairs. “It has been a long time since PETA stepped away from circus type theatrics and engaged in a specific piece of legislation. Fortunately, none of Wisconsin’s legislators were fooled by the unfounded rhetoric of a group better known more for silly stunts than legitimate debate about an issue.”