Oppose the Florida Black Bear Hunt
Speak Up Wekiva v Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Amicus Brief
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed an amicus brief in support of a petition to enjoin an impending trophy hunt of Florida black bears.
Status
Next Step
Case Closed
In 2015, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission authorized the killing of 320 black bears in the first Florida black bear hunt allowed in the state since 1994. A group called Speak Up Wekiva, Inc. and Florida resident Charles W. O’Neal brought an emergency motion in state court to stop the hunt.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed an amicus brief in support of the petition, along with a coalition of other animal protection and environmental groups. The brief argued that the unpopular hunt was likely to cause irreparable harm to the black bear population, since the commission had not established a reliable reporting mechanism and its “quota” of 320 bears was a meaningless safeguard.
Circuit Judge George Reynolds denied the emergency motion on October 1, 2015. The bear hunt proceeded later that month.
Thanks to the massive public outcry against the 2015 bear hunt, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission canceled the bear hunt in 2016. The Commission said it would also not hold hunts in 2017 or 2018.
End Wildlife Services’ War on Wildlife
Millions of native wild animals, including coyotes, mountain lions, and bears, are targeted and killed by Wildlife Services. Tell Wildlife Services to stop using your tax dollars to slaughter animals by signing our petition.
Recent News
-
Court Holds Cricket Hollow Zoo Owners in Contempt for Removing Animals Designated for Rescue in Violation of Court Order
Today the Delaware County district court granted a motion for contempt filed by the Animal Legal Defense Fund against Cricket Hollow Zoo and its owners, Pamela and Thomas Sellner, seeking the whereabouts of more than 100 animals who “disappeared” prior to a court-ordered rescue.October 5, 2021 Press Release -
Lawsuit Prompts USDA to Revoke License from Disreputable Wildlife Trafficker and Exhibitor
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cancelled notorious wildlife exhibitor and trafficker Robert Sawmiller’s license to engage in exhibition, breeding and selling activities regulated by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) following the Animal Legal Defense Fund's lawsuit against the agency for initially renewing the license.August 5, 2021 Press Release -
After Groundbreaking Animal Rights Ruling, Islamabad High Court Continues to Affirm Original Decision
In the months following a groundbreaking decision from the Islamabad High Court in Pakistan that animals have legal and natural rights, Chief Justice Athar Minallah issued three subsequent orders, each affirming the court’s original ruling and expressing continued interest in the animals’ well-being.February 19, 2021 Animal Law Update
Related Cases
-
Challenging the Inhumane Treatment of Animals at Pymatuning Deer Park Roadside Zoo
Animal Legal Defense Fund and PETA v. Pymatuning Deer Park
-
Challenging the USDA for Renewing AWA License of Disreputable Wildlife Trafficker and Exhibitor
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. U.S. Department of Agriculture
-
Challenging Washington’s Illegal Bear Hunting Regulations
Center for Biological Diversity v. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, et. al.
Looking for case and legal resources? View Resources
See More