In the near future, I will be introducing companion legislation to HB 2671, sponsored by Representative Melissa Shusterman, to authorize the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to revoke or deny hunting licenses for individuals who engage in the torture or cruel treatment of wildlife, or who have been convicted of animal cruelty.

Many will recall the viral video from several years ago showing two Pennsylvania teens shooting a deer and then kicking the animal, stomping on its legs, and tearing off one of its antlers. The footage drew widespread outrage, and charges were ultimately filed. That incident exposed a critical gap in current law: the PGC does not have the statutory authority to revoke or deny a hunting license based on this type of conduct.

This legislation closes that gap. The overwhelming majority of Pennsylvania hunters are responsible, ethical sportsmen who have no desire to share the field with individuals who behave as depicted in that video. This proposal gives the PGC the tools to ensure they do not have to.

We have a responsibility to ensure Pennsylvania’s wildlife is afforded basic humane protections, and that those who violate them face meaningful consequences. I urge my colleagues to join me in this effort.