Success: Bad Bear Legislation (AB 1038) Dies in Committee

We have good news! On April 29, Assembly Bill 1038 (Hadwick), “Bears: hunting: use of dogs” failed to get a majority vote in the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee. This bill would have authorized the California Fish and Game Commission to establish a bear hunting season in which hunters would be allowed to use dogs to pursue bears for hunting practices, also known as “hounding”.

The hounding of bears was outlawed back in 2012, due to its implications for animal cruelty towards both bear and dog. 

The bill failed in committee by a vote of 6 ayes and 4 noes (it needed 7 ayes to pass). This bill can return in 2027 for reconsideration. We shall remain vigilant, should the bill return for consideration, and will be sure to voice our opposition, and let our supporters know. Thank you Asm. Rogers, Boerner, Bennett, and Committee Chair Diane Papan for voting no!

“This victory belongs to every person who stood up and said, ‘We can do better for wildlife.’ Let it be a signal: our bears deserve respect, not lethal pursuit for recreational purposes.” 

- Ann Bryant, Executive Director of BEAR League