Game Committee       12-13-07

 

 

 

 

PA House Action

HR 516 Metcalfe:  A Resolution.  Recognizing the week of December 9 through 15 as “Bill of Rights Week in Pennsylvania.                                                                                            Adopted  (Vote 200 – 0)  (12-03-07)

 

HB 2012 Sonney:  Amending Title 34 (Game), further providing for unlawful devices and methods. Permits any semiautomatic rimfire rifle,.22 caliber or less, for the taking of coyotes, foxes or woodchucks.                                                                                                        Referred to Game & Fisheries Committee (11-14-07)   

 

PA Senate Action

 

SB 1150 Browne:  Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offences), further providing for cruelty to animals.

Section 5511(q) of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding definitions and the section is amended by 

adding a subsection to read: 

§ 5511.  Cruelty to animals.   

 (c.1) Use of live animals or fowl for targets at trap shoot or block shoot prohibited.

 (1) A person commits a summary offense if that person willfully organizes, operates, conducts or is a participant in any trap shoot or

 block shoot in which live animals or fowl are used as targets.

 (2)  Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to apply to any activity which is authorized or permitted under 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to game).

 (q) Definitions. --As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

  "Fowl."  Any avis.

  "Participant."  Any individual who actively engages in any manner in the use of live animals or fowl as targets in a trap shoot or block shoot. 

The term does not include a spectator or other individual who may happen to be present and who does not engage in any activity prohibited 

by this section.

  "Trap shoot or block shoot."  An event during which participants shoot or attempt to shoot targets that are:

(1)     launched or otherwise presented to the shooter with electronic or mechanical assistance from a fixed location or locations within a

 predefined shooting field; or

(2)         affixed to a rope, chain or other tethering device when presented to the shooter.                                 Referred to the Judiciary Committee (11-19-07)                                                                        - This is another bill to remedy what is essentially a non-problem.  It is stepping stone legislation on the wish list of animal rights activists.  Subsequent on their list is dog training, dove hunting, and all bird hunting.  The elimination of hunting dogs is on their corollary list, as what’s being inferred about the proposed new Pennsylvania dog law.