Home > Outdoor news > You are here: New York governor vetoes bill that would protect trappers' privacy

New York governor vetoes bill that would protect trappers' privacy (9/18/2003)

Gov. George Pataki has vetoed legislation that would allow traps to show identification numbers assigned to a trapper rather than the sportsman's name and address. The bill was intended to protect the privacy of trappers in New York by keeping personal information out of anti-hunters' hands. In the past, these groups have harassed sportsmen and vandalized their personal property.

Senate Bill 1068, sponsored by Sen. James Wright, R-Watertown, would have permitted the Department of Environmental Conservation to determine what information must be labeled on traps.

The governor stated that he is sympathetic towards these concerns, but the solution to the unlawful behavior of anti-hunting groups is "to vigorously respond to their illegal acts, not to eliminate an important safeguard that allows the public to quickly contact trap operators in case of emergencies."

Gov. Pataki believes names and addresses on traps are necessary for prompt identification and contact of trappers in emergency situations. The governor's office has expressed the possibility of working with Sen. Wright to improve similar legislation that may be introduced next year.

Sportsmen should encourage Gov. Pataki to work with Sen. Wright and others to create legislation that balances safety with protecting sportsmen from harassment. Illegal acts, from vandalism to assault, in the name of animal rights are on the rise, increasing the urgency for legislation that will protect sportsmen while they are engaging in legal activities. To contact Gov. Pataki, call (518) 474-7516 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.

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