[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 129 (Sunday, October 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCTION OF THE CAPTIVE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT

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                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, today, I, along with Representative Chris 
Shays and 20 other members, introduced the Captive Mammal Protection 
Act. This bill gets at an issue that many would be surprised to learn 
even occurs, the ``hunting'' of an animal inside an enclosed area. By 
halting the interstate shipment of captive mammals for the purpose of 
being shot in a fenced enclosure for entertainment or for trophy, the 
bill we introduced today will lead to significant reduction in ``canned 
hunt'' operations.
  At more than 1,000 of these commercial ``canned hunt'' operations 
around the country, trophy hunters pay a fee to shoot captive mammals--
animals that have often lived their lives being fed by hand and thus 
have no fear of humans. Simply stated, there could be no easier target. 
Canned hunting ranches know this and can therefore offer guaranteed 
trophies, touting a ``No Kill, No Pay'' policy.
  Who supports canned hunt operations? Not rank-and-file hunters. In 
fact, in a poll of their readership described in the July 2003 issue, 
the editors of Field and Stream magazine reported that 65 percent of 
sportsmen oppose canned hunts. Additionally, lifelong hunters in 
Montana, including members of the Montana Bowhunters Association, 
spearheaded a state ballot initiative in 2000 that led to a ban on 
shooting animals in fenced enclosures. In addition to Montana, 18 
states have full or partial bans on canned hunts for mammals. The 
momentum to address canned hunt operations is no surprise given that an 
element of hunting that so many sportsmen hold dear, that of the ``fair 
chase,'' is absolutely absent under canned hunt conditions. The time is 
long overdue for the federal government to participate in efforts to 
end this despicable practice.
  By halting the interstate transport of mammals used in canned hunts, 
the Captive Mammal Protection Act will curb a practice so egregious 
that hunters and animal advocates alike view it as unfair and inhumane. 
This bill is supported by ten local and national groups representing 
more than ten million Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage my colleagues to join me in 
putting a lid on canned hunts.

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