During the 2019 legislative session, the New England Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers opposed captive hunting at three committee hearings in the Rhode Island General Assembly. Unfortunately, little progress was made in either direction and heading into the 2020 session captive hunting in Rhode Island is still neither allowed nor prohibited. At present, there are no active captive hunting operations in Rhode Island, and we intend to keep it that way.
Recognizing the need for strong leadership in the opposition of captive hunting we set out to draft legislation that would effectively prohibit the practice in Rhode Island. The result of our efforts is House Bill 7869, introduced by Representative Scott Slater (D - District 10). Unlike previous bills, our proposal clearly defines “captive hunting” in a way that will be easily identifiable and enforceable when it is signed into law and provides the most complete and comprehensive protection possible against the risks and hazards associated with captive hunting.
During the 2020 legislative session the New England chapter has weighed in on two bills that also intend to prohibit captive hunting, and you can learn more about our position on those proposals here.
Please take a minute to read our letter supporting H7869, available here.
Then enter your information below to send our action alert to the Rhode Island House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and let them know that you would like to see the General Assembly prohibit captive hunting during the 2020 legislative session. H7869 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on Thursday, March 12 in the House Lounge - State House at the Rise of the House.
About New England BHA Chapter
New England BHA is a voice for the sporting community in New England that values solitude, silence, clean and free flowing rivers, and habitat for large, wide-ranging wildlife.