The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, wrote to the Powell County prosecuting attorney urging thorough investigation and aggressive prosecution, if warranted, in a recent poaching case.
The Case:
According to published media reports, Benjamin Bolt, his brother Nicholas Bolt, Benjamin Woodson and Brandon Mitchell are allegedly facing felony and misdemeanor poaching charges for illegally killing six animals near Helmville, Mont. in January. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks followed a bloody trail to the cabin where the men were staying. They found the bodies of six animals who had been shot: a bull moose, an elk, three doe mule deer and a buck mule deer.
The four Kalispell men were charged with possession of unlawfully taken wildlife, tampering with physical evidence and burglary. They also face charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, hunting big game out of season and waste of a game animal.
"Poaching is not only callous and irresponsible, it's also a crime that all too often goes unpunished," said Dave Pauli, Northern Rockies regional director for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States urges the prosecuting attorney to send a strong message that this kind of wanton killing will not be tolerated in the state of Montana."
Poaching:
Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1-5 percent of poachers are caught. Poachers kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel manners.
The HSUS works to stop inhumane and abusive hunting practices across the country. Visit humanesociety.org/hunt for more information.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. 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.
