New York Assembly Bill 1331 would require that non-lethal methods of resolving wildlife nuisance problems be prioritized, that any animal who is killed only be killed in a manner that involves unnecessary suffering, and that no dependent young wildlife be abandoned. The bill would also require written notification before any animal control measures are taken.
New York Legislation Would Prioritize Non-Lethal Animal Control Methods
NMFS Proposes Critical Habitat for Ringed Seal and Bearded Seal
The National Marine Fisheries Service has revised its proposed designation for critical habitat for the Arctic subspecies of the ringed seal and proposed critical habitat for the Beringia distinct population segment of the Pacific bearded seal subspecies. The agency is accepting comments on both proposals until March 9, 2021.
New York Legislation Would Require Wildlife Taking Regulations Incorporate AVMA Guidelines
New York Assembly Bill 1362 would require that taking of wildlife be done only subject to regulations established by the department that incorporate the American Veterinary Medical Association’s guidance on euthanasia.
FWS Finalizes Migratory Bird Treaty Act Rule
The Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a final rule defining the scope of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as limited to actions directed at migratory birds, their nests, or their eggs. The rule is effective February 8, 2021.
New York Legislation would Forbid Transport of Animal Trophies
New York Assembly Bill 805 would prohibit the possession and transportation of animals and parts of animals—including the African elephant, African leopard, African lion, and black rhinoceros—through airports and ports owned or operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
New York Considers Ban on Pesticides to Protect Pollinators and Birds
New York Senate Bill 699 would prohibit the use of certain active ingredients in pesticides that are known to cause harm to pollinators and increase bird mortality.
New York Considers Creating Animal Law Task Force
New York Assembly Bill 162 would create a task force on animal laws and require that the force report to the governor and legislature recommendations on how to increase statewide uniformity of animal laws.
New York Legislation Would Include Wildlife in Cruelty Prohibition
New York Assembly Bill 456 would expand the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals to include intentional acts of cruelty to wildlife as well as companion animals.
Indiana Legislation Would Require Animal Disease Reporting Within 24 Hours
Indiana Senate Bill 53 proposes to require any veterinarian, biomedical researcher, public health official, zoo or wildlife personnel, or custodian of an animal who knows or has reason to suspect that an animal is suffering from a disease deemed reportable by the board of animal health to report the occurrence within 24 hours.
Tribe Sues Dam Operators for Killing Endangered Fish
The Puyallup Tribe has filed suit against the operators of a dam on the Puyallup River, alleging that the dam violates the Endangered Species Act by killing fish.