New York state lawmakers have given final approval to a bill aiming to prohibit wildlife killing competitions, a move that would make it the ninth state to implement such a ban.
The legislation seeks to halt contests where animals are killed for monetary gains and rewards.
However, the proposed prohibition excludes events involving white-tailed deer, turkey, bear, or fishing.
Having been approved in the state Senate earlier this month, the bill won Assembly approval largely along party lines.
If Governor Kathy Hochul signs the bill into law, New York will follow in the footsteps of California, Vermont, New Mexico, Arizona, Massachusetts, Colorado, Washington state, Maryland, and Oregon, which already enforce similar laws or regulations.
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