SACRAMENTO (Feb. 17, 2012) – In response to the photo posted of California Fish and Game Commission president Dan Richards with a mountain lion he killed in Idaho, The Humane Society of the United States' California senior state director Jennifer Fearing has issued the following statement:
"California Fish and Game Commission president Dan Richards' decision to not only hunt an animal whose protection has twice been approved by California voters, but to post a photo showing his glee over the trophy kill, undermines Californians' confidence in the state's leadership and commitment to wisely managed natural resources.
"Wildlife in California face unprecedented challenges from development, habitat loss, poaching, declining biodiversity and climate change. Californians should not stand for such callous disregard for our shared values displayed by a leader entrusted with managing our wildlife.
"Richards' example stands in stark contrast to the work by dozens of stakeholders – including The HSUS – which just yesterday culminated in the adoption of an interim strategic vision for California's fish and wildlife."
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.
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