I have been walking my dogs for many years now, and throughout my time in the Skokie Lagoons and my neighborhood, I have seen a multitude of beautiful and unique animals. This December 4th, Wildlife Conservation Day, the New Trier Animal Protection Club reflects on the wonderful wildlife we have in Illinois and on the necessity to stop Wildlife Killing Contests.

Wildlife Killing Contests are a blood sport common across the country that target thousands of native carnivores, including coyotes, foxes, bobcats and other species. In these events, contestants win prizes for killing the most, smallest or the largest of the targeted species. These barbaric ‘sports’ often include killing baby animals and other incredibly cruel acts of violence. While blood sports such as dogfighting and cockfighting are recognized as serious crimes across the country, Wildlife Killing Contests are still legal in most states.

Throughout this year, I’ve met multiple times with State Rep. Jennifer Gong Gerschowitz to discuss the issue and she is very supportive of the cause, saying, “I wholeheartedly support legislation to ban wildlife killing contests in Illinois.  They are cruel and inhumane. These disturbing ‘contests’ are counterproductive to conservation efforts, harm biodiversity, and can seriously disrupt local ecosystems.”

Numerous killing contests occur in Illinois and I believe that it is our duty to stop the cruelty. Because these events are still not common knowledge, it is imperative that everyone helps spread the word. So please, share this article and help stop the killing.

If you are interested in learning more about the issue and how to stop the contests, make sure to contact the Animal Protection Club.

-Benicio Becka