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Petition to the Colorado State Wildlife Commission - May 7, 2009
Restricted is one thing - PROHIBITED is a death sentence!!
This petition was for revision of the prohibition against the raccoon that the state enacted in previous years that now bans the animal in any capacity and denies all animals sanctuary, regardless of circumstances. It may have been done with genuine concern for animals, but it is extreme (see story of Zorra). It was denied by the Commissioners. The only other representitives of Colorado who spoke was the State health Department - who of course advised against this humane change! No rehabilitators, No sanctuary representation... It appeared to the Commission that there was no other support for this, or need for it. So it will remain for now that the folks who care for raccoons have 180 days to do so, or kill it if it is not releasable, regardless of the reason. Apparently they are OK with this. Fear of the DOW is no longer acceptable - sorry. There are bigger issues (and lives) at stake. There are fundamental reasons to stand up, and eventually it will have to happen. Eventually the tragedies that ensue from fear will have to end.
The petition was NOT about allowing the taking of animals from the wild!
The proposed regulations were devised to discourage unqualified possession. Providing for a raccoon is a large responsibility that should only be undertaken by committed, experienced individuals fully dedicated to provide such care for the entire life of the animal. A cute baby raccoon will grow up and leave you in a terrible predicament now of what to do with it. If you love it now, love it enough and be smart enough to do what is best for it, and yourself. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator thru your state department of wildlife. NOW please! These folks are trained volunteers and will do the best possible for the animal. Please don’t forget to offer a donation in any way you can, as these folks do all this from their heart and their own wallets.
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