Bipartisan legislators in the House this week co-authored a bill to outlaw the intentional use of snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles to ram and crush coyotes, wolves, and other animals on federal land.
The Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons (SAW) Act would “close a glaring gap in federal wildlife protections,” according to the conservation group, Animal Wellness Action.
While several states prohibit hunting wildlife “from motor vehicles,” most states, not including Minnesota, Oregon, and Colorado, do not explicitly outlaw ramming or running over animals with a motorized vehicle on federal land.
“At a time when the House is taking up problematic legislation to remove federal protections for gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act, it’s more important than ever to stand up for responsible stewardship of our public lands and wildlife,” said Rep. Val Hoyle, D-Ore. “This bipartisan legislation shows we can work through thoughtful policy debates on conservation and wildlife management without condoning cruel and dangerous practices that threaten animals and public safety.”
The bill was co-sponsored by Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.