Press Release

Animal Wellness Action Celebrates Passage of Crucial Wildlife Bill out of Vermont Senate

S.258 now moves to House for consideration, following an encouraging 21-8-1 vote on Senate floor last week

Montpelier, VT — Animal Wellness Action applauds the Vermont Senate for passing a bill that modernizes the management of fish and wildlife in the state, promotes biodiversity of ecosystems and helps in the fight against animal cruelty.

S.258 also bans the cruel practices of coyote hounding and hunting coyotes over bait piles. This legislation reflects a more modern approach to wildlife management, recognizing the significant diversity Vermonters have in their attitudes towards wildlife and the importance of more ethical treatment in wildlife practices.

“We are thrilled to witness the passage of S.258 out of the Vermont Senate,” said Bob Galvin, Vermont State Director for Animal Wellness Action. “This legislation represents years of advocacy and hard work from countless individuals and organizations who believe in the protection and humane treatment of wildlife. By banning coyote hounding and the hunting of coyotes over bait piles, Vermont is setting a standard for other states to follow.”

This bill’s passage out of the Senate signifies Vermont’s commitment to leading by example, showing that it is possible to maintain balanced ecosystems and support recreational activities while also ensuring less inhumane treatment of wildlife.

“Vermont can lead the way on modernizing wildlife conservation and addressing exceptionally cruel methods of killing wildlife by enacting S.258 into law — let’s pave the way for other states to follow suit!” said Brenna Galdenzi, president and co-founder of Protect Our Wildlife Vermont. 

S.258 now moves to the Vermont House of Representatives, where it will undergo further consideration. Animal Wellness Action urges lawmakers to recognize the importance of this bill for the future of Vermont’s wildlife and ecosystems and to act swiftly in its approval.

As S.258 advances through the legislative process, Animal Wellness Action remains committed to supporting this bill and other initiatives that promote animal welfare and environmental sustainability. The organization encourages all Vermont residents and lawmakers to support S.258, acknowledging the positive impact it will have on the state’s wildlife management practices and the overall well-being of its animal populations.

For more information about S.258 and how to support this crucial legislation, please visit  animalwellnessaction.org/vermont.

Center for a Humane Economy is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) whose mission is to help animals by helping forge a more humane economic order. The first organization of its kind in the animal protection movement, the Center encourages businesses to honor their social responsibilities in a culture where consumers, investors, and other key stakeholders abhor cruelty and the degradation of the environment and embrace innovation as a means of eliminating both. The Center believes helping animals helps us all. Twitter: @TheHumaneCenter

Animal Wellness Action is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) whose mission is to help animals by promoting laws and regulations at federal, state and local levels that forbid cruelty to all animals. The group also works to enforce existing anti-cruelty and wildlife protection laws. Animal Wellness Action believes helping animals helps us all. Twitter: @AWAction_News