MILWAUKEE (August 29, 2001) - Today, The Humane Society of the United States applauded a decision announced yesterday by Dane County Circuit Judge Daniel Moeser to issue a preliminary injunction halting a scheduled September 1 mourning dove hunting season in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Citizens Concerned for Cranes and Doves requested the preliminary injunction until their lawsuit challenging the authority of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to institute a dove hunting season could be heard.

"The judge's decision clearly indicates that the Department of Natural Resources did not have the authority to institute this hunt," said Arnold Baer, a representative of The HSUS' Central States Regional Office who resides in Wisconsin. "Mourning doves are gentle and inoffensive creatures," continued Baer. "They do not cause problems for farmers and delight homeowners with their gentle cooing."

Wisconsin has long banned dove hunting. In 1971, the mourning dove was declared the official state symbol of peace. At that time, the Legislature removed the species from the list of state game birds. The judge agreed with the plaintiffs that this action indicated that the Legislature did not intend for the mourning dove to be hunted.

"Hunters set their sights on these birds merely for target practice," said Wayne Pacelle, a senior vice president for The HSUS. "The birds are essentially too small to eat. There is a very high wounding rate, making this hunt almost impossible to justify ethically. The Humane Society of the United States is pleased that the symbol of peace has received a stay of execution."

"We are confident that hunters will find out about this in enough time to change their plans for the Labor Day Weekend," said Baer. "I have no doubt that word will spread very quickly about this decision." The HSUS supports efforts across the country to protect doves.

The HSUS has provided advice and minor financial contributions that helped to fund a mailing by the Wisconsin Citizens Concerned for Cranes and Doves. "The Wisconsin Citizens Concerned for Cranes and Doves are to be commended for building a strong coalition of Wisconsin citizens dedicated to stopping mourning dove hunting," said Baer. "The HSUS is committed to supporting their future efforts to ensure that Wisconsin remains among the states that ban mourning dove hunting." Those Midwest states include Minnesota, Michigan and Iowa.