Nevadans Hope to Ban Wildlife Killing Contests

Animal advocates in Nevada have recently revived their efforts to ban cruel wildlife killing contests in the state. A bill to outlaw these violent competitions failed to pass last year by just one vote, offering hope to opponents of these blood sports that, after many years of campaigning, a victory could finally be within reach.

Now, activists have shifted their focus toward convincing the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners to prohibit the sadistic events. The Board established a Contest Committee to examine the issue, which met for the first time at the end of September to hear public comments. Wildlife advocates submitted over 200 public comments in favor of a ban, along with new polling data showing that an overwhelming majority of Nevadans support ending these violent competitions, with nearly two-thirds of those polled favoring a ban. Proponents also noted that ten other states, including six of Nevada's western neighbors, have passed similar laws prohibiting wildlife killing contests.

The committee is set to make recommendations to the full board next month, based on the public commentary and evidence presented. These recommendations will play a key role in determining the future of the push to end wildlife killing contests in the state.

These competitions, which allow for the indiscriminate killing of wildlife, appeal to only a very small segment of society and have been shown to offer no benefit whatsoever for wildlife management in the states where they occur. As Nevada continues its fight to end the gruesome carnage of wild animals, including critical keystone species, it is clear that a federal ban would be the most important step toward ending this mass slaughter once and for all.

Please consider sending a letter to your member of Congress in support of the Prohibit Wildlife Killing Contests Act of 2024 to help maintain momentum for this crucial bill and stand in solidarity with activists across the country, including those in Nevada, who are fighting for a better future for America’s wildlife.