AmmoLand.com

“Crush Videos” Legislation Introduced After Court Decision
New Bill Will Not Impact Hunting Videos.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- New legislation is pending in Congress that will prohibit so-called “crush videos” while protecting sportsmen legally producing hunting videos. The new measure will replace a law that was struck down by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

On April 20, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a 1999 federal law that prohibited the production and distribution of videos depicting a shocking form of animal cruelty known as “crush videos.” These videos showed scenes of women in high heels crushing animals to death.

While no one argues against eliminating “crush videos”, many sportsmen and hunting organizations were concerned that the language contained in the legislation would also prohibit depictions of hunting in videos and television programming. The case that went to the Supreme Court involved an individual who received a three-year prison sentence for selling videos containing scenes of hunting dogs. The video also showed examples of animal cruelty in the form of dog fighting. That video was shot in a foreign country where dog fighting is legal.

Immediately upon the Court decision animal rights groups called for new legislation dealing with the “crush videos.” On April 21 the co-chairs of the Animal Protection Caucus, U.S. Representative Jim Moran (D- VA) and Elton Gallegly (R- CA), introduced HR 5092 which will again ban the production of the “crush videos.” However, unlike the previous legislation, this bill contains specific language that excludes videos of hunting, trapping, fishing and other legal activities.

“No one supports malicious cruelty to animals of the sort depicted in these ‘crush videos’, but we also want to be sure that legal activities like hunting are not blackballed by a law that is too vague,” said Bill Horn, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of federal affairs.

“We are glad that HR 5092 addresses legitimate animal cruelty issues without penalizing honest sportsmen.”

Filed under: Shooting Industry News, Shooting Media News by Ammoland 1 Comment »

Vermont Families Afield Bill Sent to Governor
Similar Louisiana Legislation Picks up Steam.

Vermont Families Afield Bill Sent to Governor Pic:Keith Sutton

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Vermont --(AmmoLand.com)- The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) previously reported on a Families Afield bill in Vermont that will allow newcomers to try hunting under the close supervision of an experienced mentor prior to the completion of hunter education.

House Bill 243, sponsored by Rep. Steve Adams (R- Hartland), cleared the Vermont Senate this week with near unanimous support and will now head to the desk of Governor Jim Douglas.

The Families Afield initiative was started in 2004 by the USSA, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation in an effort to reduce barriers to new hunters entering the field. Also supporting the effort in Vermont are the National Rifle Association, Vermont Traditions Coalition, and Ducks Unlimited.

“Securing the future of Vermont’s rich hunting heritage is extremely important and we are encouraged by the overwhelming support the House and Senate have shown for this measure,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA director of state services. “Sportsmen across the state should ask Governor Douglas to sign this bill into law.”

To date, 29 states have enacted measures resulting in over 418,000 new hunters.

Louisiana Families Afield Bill
Meanwhile, a similar bill in Louisiana is also moving forward as Senate Bill 384, introduced by Senator Dan Claitor (R- Baton Rouge), unanimously passed the Senate. It now moves to the House. The bill allows a new hunter to take the field before completing a firearm or hunter safety course if that hunter is under the direct supervision of a parent, step parent, grandparent, or step grandparent who has completed a firearm or hunter education course.

“This bill will allow parents and grandparents to pass along their hunting heritage to the next generation of Louisiana sportsmen and women,” said Heusinkveld. “Louisiana sportsmen should reach out to their State Representatives and urge them to support for this key measure.”

Take Action – Vermont! Vermont sportsmen should contact Governor Douglas and let him know that HB 243 is an important step to protect and promote conservation by reducing barriers for the next generation of Vermont hunters to take to the field.

He can be reached by phone at (802) 828-3333 or click here to email him or send a letter to:

Take Action – Louisiana! Louisiana sportsmen should contact their State Representatives and urge them to support SB 384. Tell them that this bill will protect conservation in the future by getting new sportsmen into the field today.

To find your legislators, please visit www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.

Filed under: Hunting News by Ammoland No Comments »