November 12, 2008
ACTIVIST ALERT

NJARA is watching several wildlife bills that are dangerous to both people and animals. One of these bills is A595/S976, which amends current law to reduce the 450 ft. safety zone to 150 ft. of occupied buildings for bowhunters. The 450 ft. rule still applies to school playgrounds.

NJARA OPPOSES this legislation and asks all of our supporters to join us in fighting it.

On Monday, November 17, 2008, A595 (Assembly version of the bill) is coming up for a floor vote in the NJ State Assembly. It is also possible that on Monday, November 24, 2008, the Senate will be voting on the Senate version of this bill (S976). If this happens, NJARA will be sending out another alert next week.

NOTE: Please read the entire alert BEFORE making the following CRITICAL phone calls.

For everyone:
We need you to make 4 CRITICAL phone calls AND e-mails, voicing your outrage and opposition that A595 if passed, will reduce the 450 ft. safety zone to 150 ft. Ask the legislators to vote NO on A595.

Talking Points:
1. This bill sets a dangerous precedent by reducing the safety zone from 450 ft. to 150 ft. for bow hunters. Homeowners are already dealing with dangerous arrows flying into their yards at the 450 ft. rule.

2. This bill will give bow hunters more access to kill animals. At 150 ft., many bow hunters will be able to hunt right from their back yards.

3. Bow hunters already have a dismal track record. From 19 independent reports (see references below), bow hunters have a 55% overall wounding rate, averaging 17 shots per kill. Putting them closer to homes, the potential for disaster goes up dramatically.

4. With the 2009-2010 game code, the use of crossbows will be broadened in New Jersey. Currently, only hunters with disabilities can use a crossbow. Crossbows were the weapon of choice in medieval times.

1. Assemblyman JOSEPH J. ROBERTS, JR.
PHONE: 856-742-7600
E-Mail: AsmRoberts@njleg.org

Assemblyman Joseph Roberts, Jr. is the Speaker of the Assembly and responsible for posting the bills for floor votes. If the Speaker of the Assembly is convinced to remove the bill from the board, it will not be voted on. We must convince Assemblyman Roberts that A595 is very dangerous.

For NJARA supporters living in the following towns, when you make your phone call and send your e-mail, please let Assemblyman Roberts know that you live in his district and as a constituent, this issue is VERY important to you.

Audubon Borough, Barrington Borough, Bellmawr Borough, Brooklawn Borough, Camden City, Deptford Township, Gloucester City, Haddon Heights Borough, Hi Nella Borough, Lawnside Borough, Magnolia Borough, Mount Ephraim Borough, Runnemede Borough, Somerdale Borough, Stratford Borough, Westville Borough, Woodbury City, Woodbury Heights Borough, and Woodlynne Borough

2. Assemblyman ALEX DECROCE
PHONE: 973-984-0922
E-Mail: AsmDecroce@njleg.org

Assemblyman Alex DeCroce is the Republican Leader in the Assembly.

For NJARA supporters living in the following towns, when you make your phone call and send your e-mails, please let Assemblyman DeCroce know that you live in his district and as a constituent, this issue is VERY important to you.

Bloomingdale Borough, Butler Borough, Chatham Borough, East Hanover Township, Florham Park Borough, Hanover Township, Kinnelon Borough, Lincoln Park Borough, Montville Township, Morris Plains Borough, Parsippany Troy Hills Township, Pequannock Township, Pompton Lakes Borough, Riverdale Borough, West Milford Township

3. Contact BOTH of your state Assembly members and ask them to vote against A595.
You can find your legislators here: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp If you’ve contacted them previously, please do so again. Keep the pressure on them.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Angi Metler at Angi.NJARA@comcast.net .

Thanks for all you do for animals and our environment!

Angi Metler, director
New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance
PO Box 174
Englishtown, New Jersey 07726
732-446-6808

Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting
PO BOX 961 Maywood, NJ 07607
Voice: (201) 937-3721 Fax: (201) 368-7050 CASH@AbolishSportHunting.com  www.AbolishSportHunting.com

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Contact Us

Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting / C.A.S.H.
P.O. Box 562
New Paltz, NY 12561
845/256-1400