House Bill 8171, introduced by Representative Raymond Church would make it a misdemeanor to shoot or kill a bird or animal via an Internet connection in the state of Rhode Island. It also prohibits the import, export or possession of a bird or animal which has been killed by the use of an Internet connection.
"The Humane Society of the United States is very pleased that Rhode Island lawmakers have taken this important step," said Michael Markarian, Humane Society of the United States executive vice president. "Responsible hunters know there's no sport in shooting an animal remotely while lying in bed and wearing camouflage pajamas. We urge Governor Carcieri to sign this bill into law now."
Currently there are 22 states that ban the practice of Internet hunting. U.S. Representatives Tom Davis of Va. and Collin Peterson of Minn. have also introduced legislation in Congress, H.R. 1558, to stop Internet hunting nationwide.
Hunting via the Internet involves signing up on the web site and paying a deposit and fees of more than $1,500 to schedule a session. The hunter then logs on again at an appointed time and watches a feeding station on his computer screen. The animal ordered is present in the area, and when it approaches the food, the hunter uses his mouse to line the animal up in the on-screen crosshairs. A click of the mouse fires the rifle.
