SB37 in VA Takes Aim at Black Vultures - National Humane Education Society

Paws Down!

To Virginia Senator Bill Carrico (R-Grayson) for introducing Senate Bill 37 that would allow the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to remove the black vulture from the protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Circling vultures can seem ominous knowing that they are searching for lifeless prey. Often misunderstood by their strange and gawky appearance, vultures as scavengers help to keep the environment healthy and clean. So why would humans want to kill this helpful creature? According to a recent news article, farmers are the culprits stating that the vultures are preying on their newborn calves. Though black vultures may sporadically predate calves, incidences are few and far between, as dead and dying animals comprise most of the vulture’s diet. Nonetheless, in response to the outpouring of these complaints, Senator Bill Carrico has introduced Senate Bill 37. This bill would remove the vultures from the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and make it permissible to kill them. It passed the Senate and was read in the House on February 3, 2016.

Rather than punishing the vulture for its innate nature, why not continue to protect them for their valuable contribution to nature? As inhabitants of the world we live in, why not become better caretakers of Mother Nature and impress upon the farmers to responsibly care for their livestock by providing adequate shelter before and after birth. Let us be voices for these scavengers that loom in the air as they make our world a healthier and cleaner place to live for future generations.

Take Action: Virginia residents contact your representative to show your opposition of Senate Bill 37.