The HSUS Asks Ore. Supreme Court to Uphold Ban on Canned Hunts

November 29, 2005

WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States filed an amicus brief today in support of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission's ban on canned hunting of captive exotic animals.

The state's prohibition on canned hunting is scheduled to be argued before the Oregon State Supreme Court at a hearing in March in State of Oregon v. Clark Zane Couch. The case involves the state's efforts to crack down on Clark Couch, the owner of an Oregon game ranch, who has been charged with violating the Commission's rules for over a decade.

In 2001, the Jefferson County District Attorney's office charged Couch with 50 violations of Oregon fish and game laws stemming from the unlawful possession, sale, and hunting of several species of exotic deer kept on an enclosed, private game farm. 

However, the trial court dismissed the charges, reasoning that nonnative exotic species could not be considered "wildlife" subject to the Commission's control.  The Court of Appeals affirmed that reasoning, but last month the Oregon Supreme Court decided to review the case.

The HSUS has asked the Supreme Court to reverse the decision because the ability to regulate ownership of exotic species is critically important to carry out the Commission's duties, including the regulation of trade in wild birds.  Just last month, authorities in Great Britain called on the European Union to restrict trade in exotic wild birds in order to prevent the spread of avian influenza.

"The Court of Appeals' decision not only allows Mr. Couch to flout the Commission's decision that canned hunting has no place in Oregon, but also strips the Commission of the tools necessary to protect people and native wildlife from chronic wasting disease and avian influenza," said Jonathan R. Lovvorn, vice president of animal protection litigation for The HSUS.  "Such a disastrous ruling cannot be allowed to stand."

Although advertised under a variety of names—most frequently "hunting preserves," "game ranches," or "shooting preserves"—canned hunts violate the hunting community's standard of "fair chase" by confining animals to cages or fenced enclosures.  The types of exotic animals can include zebras, Corsican rams, blackbuck antelope, and water buffalo.  The HSUS estimates that there are more than 1,000 hunting ranches scattered across at least 28 states, offering "no kill, no pay" opportunities to kill confined native and exotic animals.  The animals are bred in captivity, purchased from animal dealers, imported into states, or, in some cases, retired from roadside zoos and circuses, so they do not fear contact with humans and make easy targets. 

The practice of "canned" hunting has been condemned by numerous national and local conservation, hunting, and animal protection organizations, including the Oregon Hunters Association, the Izaak Walton League, The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The Mule Deer Foundation, the Pope & Young Club, the Orion the Hunter Institute, and the Boone & Crockett Club. Canned hunts have also been banned or restricted in twenty states and federal bills S.304 and H.R. 1688—The Sportsmanship in Hunting Act—have been introduced in the U.S. Senate and the House to prohibit the interstate commerce of exotic animals who are destined to be killed for trophies at canned hunting facilities.

For more information on canned hunting, please visit: www.StopCannedHunts.org. 

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than 9.4 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.