So many Mainers have submitted personal, ethics- and science-based public testimony on behalf of L.D. 1265, legislation that would put an end to the 24-7 war on eastern coyotes, by banning night hunting and the use of dogs and bait.

Hunting coyotes would still be allowed. L.D. 1265 would simply put an end to the all-out war on coyotes, a war on nature, that is nothing less than legalized animal persecution and abuse, legalized dog fighting pitting hound dogs against terrorized coyotes, including pups, and a bizarre acceptance by state officials of the brutal invasion of rural Mainers’ private land at all hours.

At last count, on the state Legislature’s website, the public comments of Maine citizens, north and south, were running about 85 to 5 in support of L.D. 1265, to stop the war on coyotes by banning night hunting and the use of dogs and bait.

With regard to the woods and waters and wildlife of Maine, I was hoping Gov. Mills and her inland fisheries and wildlife commissioner, Judy Camuso, would have the wisdom and the courage to challenge and move beyond the anti-science, anti-natural predator propaganda, violence and cruelty that have dominated Maine wildlife policy for too long. It is infuriating that an IFW staffer submitted testimony against L.D. 1265 that aligns with the ignorance and cruelty of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine and the natural predator-hating outfitters.

Do Gov. Mills and IFW Commissioner Camuso have the wisdom and courage to speak up for honest science, for healthy ecosystems with natural predators, for decency and coexistence with our native wildlife?

Robert Goldman
Portland