A1898

Proposed Assembly Bill A1898 prohibits using toxic ammunition in the taking of wildlife.  It specifically says: Wildlife shall not be taken with the use of any toxic ammunition, including lead ammunition. Wildlife shall be taken using only any federally approved nontoxic ammunition.   (Emphasis added) 

It was cosponsored by Assemblywomen Linda Rosenthal (D-NY City), Dana Levenberg (D-Ossining), Anna Kelles (D-Ithaca) and Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D-Newburg).  Three down staters and one from Ithaca!

Dieter Kraemer researched some background information and suggests sending a letter to the cosponsors and the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee.  Here are some important facts:

Assemblywoman Rosenthal references the Humane Society of the United States, (HSUS).*  HUSIS has said, “…scientists consider the use of lead ammunition to be the greatest unregulated source of lead knowingly released into the environment in the United States...It incidentally kills millions of wild animals a year.”  (Yes, lead bullets do kill millions of wild animals.  Hunters will confirm that is the bullet’s purpose.) 

Activist Facts describes HSUS as: “…a radical animal rights group that inaccurately portrays itself as a mainstream animal care organization. The words “humane society” may appear on its letterhead, but HSUS is not affiliated with your local animal shelter.” 

HSUS includes a huge web of organizations, affiliates and subsidiaries. 

The American Institute of Philanthropy gives HSUS a “D” rating.  

David Wills the former vice president of HSUS was sentenced to life in prison for a conviction of child sex abuse charges. He also embezzled money from the organization.**

Paul Irwin (HSUS president from 1996 to 2004) founded the Humane Society of Canada (HSC) while claiming to live in Canada but he actually lived in Maryland.  Erwin was reimbursed $85,000 by HSUS for the purchase of a vacation home by the organization.***

HSUS executive John Hoyt lived rent free in a house that the organization purchased for him.****

When Wayne Pacelle became the CEO HSUS, he took HSUS in a radical political direction. In 1991, Pacelle told the Associated Press: “[I]f we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would.” Pacelle would later resign over sexual harassment allegations.*****

Humane Society of the United States has now changed its name to Humane World for Animals.

Does this sound like an organization that publishes reliable information?

Rosenthal also states that lead bullets are made from recycled car batteries. Technically possible but complicated and dangerous.  Does she have any evidence this is done by any manufacturer?  Importantly, does that make them more dangerous, more toxic?

Iowa State University conducted a study on wild Bald Eagles.****** Their conclusion is that very few are suffering from any kind of lead poisoning.  We now have more eagles in the US than ever before.

The use of lead-free ammunition in NY state should be on a voluntary basis, it should not be mandated by state law.   

*Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) | Activist Facts

**David Wills, ex-Humane Society of the U.S. vice president, gets life in prison - Animals 24-7

***Paul Irwin - Wikipedia

****HUMANE SOCIETY REFUSES TO CLEAN HOUSE – Deseret News

*****CEO Of The Humane Society Resigns Amid Allegations Of Sexual Harassment : The Two-Way : NPR

******Most Iowa bald eagles are not exposed to high levels of lead, according to new Iowa State University research - News Service