Rhode Island House passes bill to ban captive hunting

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday evening that could soon make “captive hunting” illegal in Rhode Island.

It now goes to the Senate, which has approved the accompanying legislation.

Some groups, including fellow hunters, said they are concerned about the environment and support the legislation.

“I’m excited about it. I’m happy that I think it’s a good protection for animals and also for our environment,” said Rep. Scott Slater.

Representative Slater of Providence is sponsoring legislation to make it illegal to hunt game on private land.

The bill also prohibits animals from being imported for that purpose.

Lawmakers said the legislative push began after the Preserve Resort and Spa in Richmond asked to import animals such as elk and hogs so members could hunt them.

A number of agencies say the idea poses health risks to local wildlife, which could become infected by imported game.

“Most concerning is chronic wasting disease, a pre-on disease similar to the mad cow disease it infects, it is always fatal,” said Michael Woods, president of the New England chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

NBC 10 reached out to officials for comment but did not hear back.