The HSUS Calls for Justice in Upcoming Wildlife Trafficking Case in Indiana

May 15, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, wrote to the Henry County, Indiana prosecuting attorney urging vigorous prosecution, as may be warranted, in an illegal sale of wildlife case scheduled to go to pre-trial on May 28.

In November 2007, law enforcement arrested Earl Hunt as part of a multi-state investigation into the illegal stocking of wildlife in enclosures where packs of dogs are released upon the captive animals.

The Case:

According to published media reports, Earl Hunt of Kennard, Ind. faces felony charges of unlawful sale or shipment of wild animals and conspiracy to commit unlawful shipment of wild animals, as well as a misdemeanor charge of selling animals to an unlicensed fur buyer. Hunt allegedly sold 28 live coyotes to undercover conservation officers for $70 apiece and two foxes for $65 each, for a total of $2,090. 

"The inhumane practices inherent in fox and coyote penning begin with rampant, and often illegal, trafficking of wildlife," said Anne Sterling, Indiana state director for The HSUS. "The high death rate of these captive animals creates a constant demand for new stock and The Humane Society of the United States urges the prosecuting attorney to send a strong message that this brutal black market will not be tolerated by the citizens of Indiana."

Wildlife Pens:

Even though most states with fox and coyote pens specifically prohibit importing animals from Indiana, the state's coyotes are still trapped and shipped hundred of miles to wildlife pens across the Southeast. Transporting coyotes and foxes for wildlife enclosures may spread disease and threaten native wildlife populations.

In wildlife pens, dogs are judged on their ability to pursue captive wildlife, and coyotes and foxes often meet a cruel end when torn apart by the dog pack. A competitive trial within a coyote pen often lasts several days, with hundreds of dogs pursuing the fenced-in wildlife.

On May 5, the Indiana Natural Resources Commission concluded a public comment period on the proposal #7-749, which would prohibit individuals from selling live coyotes during the seven-month coyote nuisance trapping season. The Commission is expected to consider the matter on July 15.

The HSUS works to stop inhumane and abusive hunting practices across the country. Visit humanesociety.org/hunt for more information.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.