This is a response to the Oct. 13 commentary written by Maria Gigliello, Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s communication coordinator.
Ms. Gigliello, you are painting the department you represent as the victims when you have brought negative social media comments on yourselves by completely ignoring the majority of Vermonters’ pleas for change of antiquated laws that continue to treat our wildlife inhumanely and give 99% of the protection to hunters and trappers.
The department chose to highlight only distasteful comments made by animal advocates when there are bad actors on both sides. The department is seeking to paint animal advocates as awful people but forget that the department is to work for all Vermonters, not just trappers and hunters.
We have suggested the Fish and Wildlife Board have an equal number of both hunters and nonhunters. Instead, our governor handpicked a Fish and Wildlife Board member who pushed to lighten trapping regulations, calling it humane to bludgeon wildlife caught in leghold traps.
Someone has to bring attention to the failure of this department to serve all Vermonters and demand our wildlife be treated with dignity and respect. People have asked for a compromise, but it has fallen on Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Herrick’s deaf ears.
Anyone considering a run for a government position should clearly state they support the humane treatment of domestic pets and wildlife. Trapping and hounding are not safe for humans and domestic animals and it is a cruel “sport” for wildlife and the dogs trained to attack them. For that reason, I will never vote for any candidate who supports trapping and hounding.
Donna Kelly
Benson
