WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) today praised Texas legislators for passing a law to ban the practice of Internet hunting.  H.B. 2026, which bans "computer-assisted remote hunting" throughout the state, officially became law yesterday and is effective immediately.  The controversial practice originated in Texas with the launching of a web site, www.Live-Shot.com, that allowed hunters to pay a fee and shoot animals on an exotic game ranch with the click of a mouse.  Now the only victims on that web site will be inanimate targets.

"This remotely delivered cruelty is grossly unethical, and it is heartening to see the Texas legislature take such prompt action to stamp out the practice in the state," stated Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS.  "While the adoption of the law in Texas is critical, it is important for other states and the Congress to follow suit, since these computer-assisted hunting operations can be set up in other states.  State and federal lawmakers should exhibit zero tolerance for this bizarre form of pay-per-view killing."

"We assume Texas authorities will immediately notify the individual who developed www.live-shot.com that he must cease any further promotion or execution of Internet hunting at his ranch," adds Pacelle. "We will be monitoring the situation carefully to help ensure that the owner of the ranch does not violate the state's new law and facilitate the killing of any additional animals through the Internet."

The HSUS has been active in advocating for legislation to combat Internet hunting.  There are 20 states that have seen the introduction of legislation to ban Internet hunting, and seven states in addition to Texas – Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Vermont – have already adopted bills to halt Internet hunting. U.S. Representative Tom Davis (R-VA) has also introduced legislation in Congress to combat the practice.

Hunting via the Internet involves signing up on the web site and paying a deposit and fees of more than $1,500 to schedule a session. The final cost will depend on the species and size of the animal killed and the cost of having the trophy mounted.  The hunter then logs on again at an appointed time and watches a feeding station on his computer screen. The animal ordered is present in the area, and when he approaches the food, the hunter uses his mouse to line the victim up in the on-screen crosshairs.  A click of the mouse fires the rifle.

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