Help Raptors, Stop the Illegal Killing

Thousands of protected raptors such as Cooper's Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and Red-tailed Hawks are being killed each year by hobbyists who raise pigeons for flying competitions. Currently, killing a protected bird is a Class B Misdemeanor under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which puts suffocating a Peregrine Falcon in the same category as unauthorized use of the image of Smokey Bear. It is time to update the nearly century old Migratory Bird Treaty Act to treat illegal killing of protected bird species with the seriousness that these crimes deserve.

Please ask your U.S. Representative to co-sponsor HR 4093, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Penalty and Enforcement Act of 2007, to ensure raptors and other migratory birds are given adequate protection. Tell me more

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

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I am writing to urge you co-sponsor HR 4093, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Penalty and Enforcement Act of 2007. This bill is necessary to protect thousands of raptors such as Cooper's Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and Red-tailed Hawks.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that as many as 2,000 to 3,000 raptors are being killed on the West Coast each year using methods including poisoning, beating birds to death with clubs, and suffocation in plastic bags. Even more troubling is the fact that the thirteen men recently charged with these crimes received little more than a slap on the wrist after pleading guilty.

Currently, killing a protected bird is a Class B Misdemeanor under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which puts suffocating a Peregrine Falcon in the same category as unauthorized use of the image of Smokey Bear.
   
HR 4093 would amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act so intentional killing of protected bird species would be considered a felony, rather than the current Class B Misdemeanor. This bill would send a strong message to prosecutors and courts that Congress takes these crimes seriously. It would pave the way for significant fines (up to $50,000) and jail sentences (up to 1 year) for the most serious bird-related crimes.

I am counting on you to co-sponsor HR 4093, The Migratory Bird Treaty Act Penalty and Enforcement Act of 2007, to show that Congress will not tolerate flagrant violations of one of America's most important conservation laws.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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