Migratory Bird Treaty Act under Attack

Letter to Congress Urging them to vote AGAINST HR 4114

Members of the House of Representatives are about to vote on a bill that will gut the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Introduced by Representative Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD), HR 4114, the so-called "Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act of 2004,” will remove 94 "non-native" migrating species including certain species of storks, pelicans, cranes, swans, cardinals and orioles from the list of birds currently protected by the MBTA.  Some of these bird species are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, the Convention on Migratory Species, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is a domestic measure that was passed in 1918 to protect birds during their migration.  This law implements the United States’ commitment to four international conventions to protect these birds.  Now, 86 years later, some Members of Congress have decided that some species of migratory birds are pests to be killed en masse, despite the fact that the MBTA already includes a mechanism for addressing specific problems that may arise in particular locations.

Notwithstanding the appalling notion of killing certain species of migratory birds, this legislation is being rushed forward without any scientific study being conducted to assess the validity of claims that some of these 94 species of birds may be harming their environment.  In addition, no study has been conducted to assess what impact removing these birds from their ecosystems may have on other species.  It is anti-science, anti-conservation, and anti-animal.

Please contact your U.S. Representative immediately and ask him/her to oppose HR 4114. Tell your legislator that all migratory birds should remain protected and that you are against any weakening of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  If possible, please call.  You can reach your Representative by dialing the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225-3121.  Click here to find your US Representative, and they may be addressed: 

The Honorable (name),
House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Please contact your Representative and urge her/him to cosponsor this important legislation.  To find your member click here.

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For More Information:

- Legislative Information provided by the Library of Congress. Search Congressional records and legislation for current and previous years.  Find your member of Congress and their contact information.

Please visit the Animal Welfare Institute's website for more information about this and many other important issues.