Update: Sadly, the Governor vetoed this legislation on October 10, 2007.
Bill Description: “Wildlife control operators” are individuals or businesses hired to deal with wildlife conflicts between humans and animals. If passed, A 1477 would require that wildlife control operators inform customers of available non-lethal methods and that lethal methods actually will be used, if necessary, to kill the animal. In addition, non-target animals (such as family dogs and cats) found in traps would be immediately released or, if injured or diseased, would receive treatment. Finally, wildlife control operators would need to complete continuing education coursework. A 1477 only affects those hired to trap furbearing and non-game mammals and who are already required to be licensed as trappers.
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Some consumers are not informed that lethal solutions are often ineffective. As long as food, water, and a conducive environment are present, other wild animals can move in to fill the opening created by lethal removal of the prior inhabitant. It is in the best interest of consumers to attempt preventive, non-lethal solutions prior to utilizing lethal options. And some consumers are not fully informed when they hire wildlife control operators regarding whether the animals will be killed. The Department of Fish and Game licenses and regulates wildlife control operators who trap furbearing and non-game mammals for profit, but because the department does not actively enforce the trapping licensing system for these operators, there are no accurate statistics on the number of wildlife control operators trapping in the state or the number of animals trapped and killed each year. No training or continuing education is required to ensure that wildlife control operators are aware of the safest and most humane methods for dealing with wildlife, including non-lethal solutions and techniques to prevent orphaning of infant wildlife. Additionally, no guidelines exist for situations when non-target animals such as cats and dogs are found in traps intended for wildlife. This legislation will help to establish such fundamental standards.