We have a big #CHEER today for the news that the Arizona Game and Fish Commission has voted to ban organized killing contests that reward hunters for killing predator or fur-bearing animals.

The 4-0 vote advances the rulemaking that, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, would make contests “an unlawful manner and method of take” for a number of animals that include coyotes, foxes, skunks, raccoons, beavers, muskrats and bobcats.

News outlets are reporting that the council took the unusual step of considering the public response to these cruel and inhumane killing contests and acknowledged that there has been significant backlash from the Arizona community.

Killing contests, particularly those that involve murdering coyotes, have drawn the angry attention of activists in recent years. This outrage over these brutal and backwards contests reflects a change in what people view as family entertainment, finally there seems to be a groundswell of opposition to animal killing contests having a place in a civilized society. Some recent examples include the Oregon Legislature, which is considering a law banning the practice, and New Mexico’s governor signed a new law banning the contests in April.

The rulemaking package, announced during the commission’s June meeting, now goes to Gov. Doug Ducey’s regulatory review council for consideration. You can contact the council and ask them to approve the ban on killing contests by visiting this website and filling out the online form: https://grrc.az.gov/contact