Gillian Lyons
Earlier this week, the D.C. City Council unanimously passed B18-498, the Wildlife Protection Act. You may be wondering exactly what type of wildlife resides within the limits of the District of Columbia and the answer, inevitably, is various species that the human species unfortunately views as “pests.” Many of these species fall under B18-498’s protections.
In effect, B18-498 regulates pest control companies operating within city limits, imposing on these companies certain humane treatment standards for the animals they are called upon to control. For instance, the Act prohibits glue traps, as well as snare/snap traps; it prohibits lethal measures that are not approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association; it requires that trapped injured animals be taken to rehabilitation centers; and, it mandates that pest control officers attempt to reunite mothers with their young and keep family units in tact when trapping (and hopefully releasing) animals. The Act also requires those working in the “pest control” industry to be trained and licensed. Continue reading
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: American Veterinary Medical Association, animal abuse, animal cpntrol, animal rights, animal suffering, animal welfare, animals, B18-498: Wildlife Protection Act, environmental law, glue traps, pest control, snare/snap traps, trapping, Washington D.C., Washington D.C. City Council, wildlife, wildlife law, wildlife protection | 8 Comments »
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