WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, today joined with 18 other wildlife and environmental protection groups to applaud the decision of Judge Huvelle from the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia that will halt the planned killing of endangered gray wolves in Wisconsin and Michigan.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently issued permits to the departments of natural resources in both states to kill dozens of wolves. Although the Endangered Species Act  requires the FWS to provide notice and an opportunity for public comment prior to issuing such permits, the permits were issued behind closed doors with no notice or a chance to comment given to the public.  The FWS' refusal to follow the procedures of the ESA was in direct violation of the Act.  When the FWS refused to rescind the permits after being contacted by the various organizations, the coalition had no option but to file suit on August 4, 2005, charging that the FWS' secretive issuance of the permits violated the ESA. 

Attorneys for the parties today argued for a preliminary injunction to stop the planned killings of wolves in Wisconsin and Michigan.  Holding that the plaintiff organizations would likely win their lawsuit, Judge Huvelle granted the request from the bench, stopping the states' from carrying out their wolf killing plans.  A written decision is expected later this week.

On April 1, 2003, the FWS downlisted most gray wolves in the lower 48 states from endangered status to threatened status, thereby reducing the animals' protection under the ESA. The HSUS and 18 other organizations filed suit over that decision, arguing that it was not based on sound science and was procedurally flawed. A federal court in Oregon agreed, and on January 31, 2005, issued an order vacating the FWS's decision and returning the wolf to endangered status.

"The Court's decision to halt this action from the bench shows just how far the Fish and Wildlife has strayed from its duty to protect endangered wolves," said Jonathan Lovvorn, vice president of animal protection litigation for The HSUS. "The Service's attempt to authorize the killing of endangered wolves without any public review or involvement did not even pass the straight-face test."

The plaintiffs were represented in the case by Faegre & Benson.

The Humane Society of the United States represents more than 9 million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.