The month of July was actually one of the best yet in terms of positive developments in our work to ban M-44 "cyanide bombs" at the national level. Two bills to ban M-44s on all public lands have been introduced in Congress by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D), leaders from Oregon, where M-44s were banned in 2019. Read more in The Corvalis Advocate article, OR feds step up against cyanide devices on public land.

In addition, a hearing was held on July 21 with a House Subcommittee. It featured live testimony from Dr. Mark Mansfield, father of Pocatello victim Canyon Mansfield. the boy who lost his beloved dog, and almost his own life, in 2017 to an M-44 device set on a hill behind his back yard. (Canyon and his family are pictured above during a 2017 press conference on of our trips to Washington, D.C. to advocate for a national M-44 ban.)

These developments are very exciting and now is the time to build on their momentum! We encourage you to check out the House and Senate bills and testimony from the hearing linked below and take the action recommended to help us get these bills passed into law.

The House House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife held a hearing on July 21, 2022 that included live video testimony from Canyon Mansfield's father, Dr. Mark Mansfield. Watch Mansfield testimony | Read Mansfield testimony

We also submitted our own official testimony for the record in the form of a fully referenced letter outlining all the reasons M-44s can never be used safely and must be banned. The letter includes an appendix listing featured Incidents of pet killings and human poisonings caused by M-44s from 1990-present.

One of the best ways you can help ban M-44 "cyanide bombs" on public lands is to send a short message urging your U.S. Senators and Representatives to support Canyon's Law, so nicknamed in honor of Canyon Mansfield. You can say something as simple as [copy/paste]:

"Please support Canyon's Law, [insert bill H.B. 4951 or S. 4584 here], the bill to ban M-44 "cyanide bombs" on public lands. M-44 devices are used by wildlife agents for predator control, but they are scientifically shown to be counter-productive. They can also never be used safely, as they are indiscriminate killers whose victims include endangered species, wildlife, and pets--none of which can read warning signs. People have been severely injured by M-44s and it is only a matter of time before a child is killed. Canyon's Law is common-sense, tax-saving, nonpartisan legislation deserving support as an essential public safety measure by all elected officials."

Find your elected officials and get more info

In addition to contacting your elected officials, we encourage you to spread the word to everyone you know who cares about pets, kids, wildlife, and safety in the great outdoors. You can also further our efforts by making a donation. Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do.

For all that is wild and free,

Brooks Fahy

Executive Director

Predator Defense