Inadequate Laws Leave Vermont’s Wildlife in Perilous Hands

In the heart of Vermont, a fierce debate unfolds over the humane treatment of animals in the context of trapping and coyote hunting with dogs.

This contentious issue has led to legal action, with animal welfare groups challenging the state’s recent regulatory updates.

New Rules Under Scrutiny

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board’s approval of new hunting and trapping regulations in December has sparked a significant backlash. Animal welfare organizations, including Protect Our Wildlife Vermont, Animal Wellness Action, the Center for a Humane Economy, and the Vermont Wildlife Coalition, have filed a lawsuit against the state, VTDigger reports. They argue that the new measures fall short of adequately protecting both wildlife and the public from the inherent risks of these activities.

At the core of their contention is the belief that the updated rules do not align with the legislative intent behind two pivotal laws passed in 2022. These laws aimed to make trapping more humane and to regulate coyote hunting with dogs, ensuring minimal conflict with landowners and safeguarding domestic animals, WCAX reports.

Legislative Objections and Legal Vulnerabilities

The Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (LCAR) expressed significant concerns, objecting to four aspects of the new regulations. Their objection underscores a belief that the regulations do not sufficiently protect animals and the public, shifting the burden of proof to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department in the event of a lawsuit, reports Vermont Public.

This legal nuance has made the department more susceptible to challenges over the legitimacy of its rule-making process.

Concerns Over Coyote Hunting and Trapping Setbacks

The lawsuit highlights several specific issues with the new regulations. For coyote hunting, it criticizes the requirement for GPS collars on hunting dogs as insufficient for ensuring control over the animals, VTDigger reports. Despite this technology, hunters can still be miles away from their dogs, raising concerns about their ability to prevent conflicts on private property.

Regarding trapping, the advocacy groups argue that the regulations lack adequate setbacks to protect the public and pets. The definition of “public trails” in the new rules does not encompass trails on private land used by the public, a significant oversight given the extensive network of such trails in Vermont, reports the Burlington Free Press.

Advocacy and Resistance

Brenna Galdenzi, president of Protect Our Wildlife Vermont, emphasizes the missed opportunity for the Fish & Wildlife Board to address major concerns related to trapping and coyote hounding.

“This was their opportunity. Like, let’s clean up some of the really serious concerns we have with trapping and coyote hounding,” she told VTDigger. “They did not meet the bare minimum, and they fought us every step of the way on it. It causes us to kind of reassess our path forward with these activities.”

The perceived lack of cooperation from the board has led the advocacy groups to reassess their strategies for promoting more humane practices in these activities.

Looking Ahead

The lawsuit seeks to nullify the new regulations, arguing that they contravene the legislature’s intentions. This legal battle underscores a broader conversation about the balance between wildlife management practices and animal welfare concerns in Vermont.

As this issue unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will interpret the regulations in light of the legislative intent and the broader implications for wildlife management and animal rights in the state.

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