Local Group Speaks Out Against Shocking Animal Cruelty

It’s called a “sport” by some. A group of men and women, their dogs and spectators gather in an open field. The dogs are released, and they track down and kill wild jackrabbits, tearing the animals apart. “Open field coursing,” as this activity is known, is banned in England because of its cruelty -- yet it’s happening right here in the Bay Area, and many compassionate people, including California State Assemblymember Loni Hancock, want this blood sport outlawed.

Earlier this week, San Francisco-based KGO-TV reported on an open field coursing event in Fairfield. The report depicted the brutality of the blood sport in graphic detail, prompting assurances from Hancock that she will sponsor a new law banning it.

But some animal protectionists aren’t waiting for Hancock to act. Kim Sturla, director of Animal Place in Vacaville, believes compassionate citizens should take a more proactive approach to this issue. Sturla appeared before the Solano County Board of Supervisors today to voice her concern and urge legislators to take immediate action to ban open field coursing. “This is not a sport,” says Sturla. “This is a barbaric, inhumane activity in which a bunch of people cheer while dogs chase down and tear a terrified rabbit to pieces. And it’s happening right in our backyard. We are determined to see this outlawed.”

Sturla notes that Animal Place rescues both dogs and rabbits, giving her a unique perspective on the controversy. “We’re speaking with our county supervisors now on a potential local ordinance to quickly ban open field coursing here in Solano County, where the KGO investigation took place,” she says. Sturla is calling on the public to not be passive on this issue, but to speak out and demand legislation to outlaw open field coursing in California. Concerned citizens interested in learning how they can help may call 707-449-4814 or visit http://www.animalplace.org.

For more on the story, including some shocking (graphic) video, visit
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=i_team&id=3874872

About Animal Place

Animal Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sanctuary for abused and discarded farmed animals located in Vacaville, California. Since 1989, Animal Place has been taking in animals who have been abused or neglected and have no place else to go. Animals rescued from auctions and stockyards and animals used in research also make up the many animals who share 60 acres of forest, meadow, pasture, hills and a small lake, peacefully living out the remainder of their lives. In addition to providing the day-to-day care of animals, Animal Place is an advocacy organization offering farm tours, volunteer training and outreach activities. More information on the sanctuary can be found online at http://www.animalplace.org.