Statute in Full:
(The Animal Protection Institute Drafted the following summaries. All opinions expressed reflect those of the API. They are provided here for informational purposes).Maryland* HB 9 Allows for Hunting on Sundays * HB 10 Black Bear Management * HB 377 Banning Leghold Traps * Notes HB 9 Allows for Hunting on Sundays Purpose: If passed, HB 9 would allow hunting to take place on Sundays. Currently Sunday is the only day of the week when people cannot hunt. Action: OPPOSE: This bill has already passed the House. Please contact your state Senator and express your opposition to HB 9, and encourage him/her to oppose this bill. Let him/her know that during hunting season, Sunday is the only day of the week when wildlife viewers, photographers, horseback riders, hikers, and campers can safely go into the woods without the fear of being shot by a hunter. Also let your representative know that according to research compiled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, wildlife watchers in Maryland outnumber hunters by more than eight to one. Ask them to support the majority of their constituents by opposing HB 9. Update: Fortunately, the Governor vetoed this piece of legislation. Thanks to everyone who contacted his or her state Senator or Representative. HB 10 Black Bear ManagementPurpose: If passed, HB 10 would initiate a sport-hunting season on Maryland's small population of 327 bears. Action: OPPOSE. This bill has already passed the House. Please encourage your Senator to oppose this unnecessary legislation. Let him/her know that the small population of bears can be effectively managed by non-lethal means such as electric fencing around crops and beehives. Also let your representative know that according to research compiled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, wildlife watchers in Maryland outnumber hunters by more than eight to one. Ask them to support the majority of their constituents by opposing HB 10. Update: Fortunately, the legislature adjourned before the passage of this legislation. Thanks to everyone who contacted his or her state Senators or Representatives. HB 377 Banning Leghold TrapsPurpose: If passed, HB 377 would expand the current prohibition against using, setting, placing, or maintaining a leghold trap to apply throughout the state of Maryland. Action: SUPPORT. Please contact your state Representative as urge him/her to support this HB 377. Let him/her know that leghold traps are cruel and inhumane and should be prohibited. Specifically, steel-jawed leghold traps grip tightly around the animal's leg or other party part potentially causing the animal to experience lacerations, broken bones, joint dislocations, and gangrene. Update: Unfortunately, the legislature adjourned before the passage of this legislation. Thanks to everyone who contacted his or her state Senators or Representatives. Notes Address Letters to: The Honorable ___________ The State House Annapolis, MD 21401 All Maryland legislators may be reached at 410-841-3000. Contact the Governor at: Governor Parris N. Glendening State House Annapolis, MD 21401 410-974-3901 1-800-811-8336 (toll free, Maryland) Fax 410-974-3275 governor@gov.state.md.us www.gov.state.md.us The text and status of Maryland bills is also available at mlis.state.md.us.
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