Hawley denounces ‘anti-hunting’ bill approved by Assembly

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

ALBANY – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) today slammed the Majority’s recently passed legislation that would make it illegal to organize, sponsor, conduct, promote or participate in any contest, competition or derby where the objective is to take wildlife (A.2917). This would include bans on hunting competitions for coyotes, rabbits and other animals.

The legislation, which passed the state Assembly this afternoon, had a Senate sponsor from Buffalo and an Assembly sponsor from Manhattan, which provided a further example of legislators from city regions exercising power over New Yorkers in rural areas such as Western New York. Hawley is frustrated that rural communities are once again having their voices silenced.

“This anti-hunting bill is yet another example of out-of-touch, big city legislators imposing their will on our constituents,” said Hawley. “This is the same tactic that was used by big city lawmakers on the mandate of overtime pay on our farm workers. This proposal would not only be damaging to our rights as New Yorkers, but its effects on our local agriculture and animal population control will have negative consequences. The Majority needs to start considering the needs of all New Yorkers, not just those in the cities.”