Bowhunting Causes Animals Immense Suffering and Must be Banned

Animal Welfare, Petitions — By Katie Abascal on January 24, 2012 6:50 am

Target: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Goal: To effectively rid bowhunting as a method of hunting animals.

Bowhunting is the cruelest type of hunting, as it involves killing animals by archery, resulting in slow and painful deaths. Bowhunters first shoot an arrow through an animal and then track it down via bloody tracks until the wounded animal is found suffering or dead. For many lost animals, deaths can take up to weeks through infection, starvation or dehydration if the animal is not caught after being struck with the bow. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service must exercise its power and protect animals from being killed so mercilessly.

Hunting is looked upon as being beneficial to some, as it is often used as a means to control animal populations, as well as a method of stimulating local economy. However, bowhunting is carried out in a much more brutal fashion compared to hunting with a rifle. Bows, especially ones using wooden arrows with stone points, must be of a certain strength to effectively penetrate larger animals during hunting, otherwise the crippled animal will not die in a short period of time. For some hunts, it may take up to four wretched arrows before the poor creature even falls over. For animals that run after being hit, a hunter may only find it if there is extensive blood loss, otherwise the unfortunate animals that escape after being shot by the bow will most likely contract a septic infection. According to veterinarians, if the damage to the vital area is less than severe, the chemical that deadens the sense of pain without consciousness may not set in for many grievous hours, if at all. The miserable animal is then left completely aware while choking on its own blood.

If hunting must be done, the government must enforce it to be carried out through a more accurate and instantaneous matter. Barbaric and unnecessary, bowhunting needs to become federally outlawed. Urge the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to make it illegal for hunters to use bows as a means of killing animals.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear United States Fish and Wildlife Service,

Bowhunting is the cruelest type of hunting, as it involves killing animals by archery, resulting in slow and painful deaths. Bowhunters often catch their target by tracking down bloody tracks until the wounded animal is found. For many lost animals, deaths can take up to weeks through infection, starvation or dehydration if the animal is not caught after being struck with the bow.

While hunting is an activity regulated at the state level, please make bowhunting illegal under federal law and end this savage sport. As the United States agency responsible for maintaining national standards for hunting, I urge you to take action at once.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]