I think I’ve read just about everything an animal rights activist will do to “help” animals. That was until this morning, perusing the interwebs, I came across this gem. A New Jersey woman was sentenced to 15 days in jail for releasing a bear cub from a culvert trap. The trap was placed in the area to help capture an aggressive bear that charged a woman near a 1,300 unit complex. The woman, Catherine McCartney, was not alone in her actions she was helped by Mark Nagelhout. The pair are with the group BEAR, an anti bear hunting group. McCartney stated in court that she released the cub because it was yelling for its mother. She felt “morally” obligated to release the bear and “it was the right thing to do”.
This is not McCartney’s first run in with the law, this is her 4th arrest for animal rights activism. Municipal Prosecutor Alicia Ferrante stated in court “McCartney needs to be stopped. This is not her first offense and the state suspects it will not be her last.” She added McCartney is “not getting the message that the law is the law.” McCartney was also fined $1,191 for her actions. Her partner in crime Nagelhout, received a $1,316 fine but no jail time as this was his first offense. The charges brought against both of them were obstructing a governmental function by means of interference and disturbing the condition of real property intended for use in the lawful taking of wildlife. A charge of disorderly conduct by creating a hazardous conditions was dismissed.
These 2 are perfect examples of what not to do. The trap was placed to capture an aggressive bear, had that bear been in that trap someone could have died. I’m glad the judge imposed a 15 day sentence. I feel penalties for anti hunters and activists that interfere with hunters and wildlife biologists should be heavier to prevent more stupidity from happening. What do you think?
