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Armstrong supports cougar
control bill to better
protect local residents
Rep. Mike
Armstrong,
R-Wenatchee, today voted with fellow lawmakers in the House to pass
legislation designed to protect people, property, livestock and pets
from the increasing numbers of what many are calling “bolder cats”
throughout parts of Washington.
“This is a great bill for our district,” said Armstrong. “Folks in our
communities can rest a bit easier now knowing we were able to pass
legislation to better protect children and others from cougars.”
Substitute Senate Bill 6118 passed the House 90 – 5 and now goes to the
Senate for final approval.
It would allow hunters to again use dogs to kill cougars in specified
counties throughout the state, including Chelan and Okanogan.
“I don’t have to tell folks back home that contacts between humans and
cougars are increasing,” Armstrong told fellow lawmakers in the House
floor debate. “They’re showing up in backyards and on school grounds in
Wenatchee and surrounding communities.”
Wildlife experts testified in support of the legislation, and confirm
that hunting is the best way to control cougar populations. It’s
estimated that there are 2,500 to 4,000 of the big cats in Washington.
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For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
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