ANTIGO, WI — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy today announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the poacher responsible for shooting an American white pelican now in recovery at the Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI) in Antigo, Wisconsin.
Earlier this month, REGI admitted a severely injured pelican suffering from a gunshot wound, lead poisoning, frostbite, and profound emaciation. This pelican is the seventh brought to REGI this year with suspected or confirmed gunshot injuries — a disturbing pattern pointing to repeated, illegal attacks on federally protected migratory birds.
“Pelicans are protected under federal laws, and the of shootings of these migratory birds is deeply disturbing and a case of serial poaching,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. “That the treated bird has been diagnosed with lead poisoning reminds us that Wisconsin still allows this toxic metal in hunting, and lead dispersal from hunting is a needless risk to wildlife and hunting families consuming game meat.”
Investigators and wildlife rehabilitators indicate that embedded lead fragments from the gunshot contributed to the bird’s critical condition, causing systemic poisoning while the wounded pelican struggled to survive in freezing conditions.
Animal Wellness Action is urging anyone with information about the shooting of this pelican — or similar recent incidents in Wisconsin — to contact law enforcement immediately.
“These are senseless acts of cruelty toward protected wildlife, and we are offering this reward to help ensure these crimes do not go unanswered,” said Paul Collins, Wisconsin state director of Animal Wellness Action.
Individuals with information can contact: Wisconsin DNR TIP Line: 1-800-847-9367.
To find out more about Animal Wellness Action’s “Soaring Not Suffering” campaign please visit here.