`something For Everybawdy' Is Daring, Funny

2 Robbery Suspects Waive Hearing

Friday, January 10, 1997 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 1B 





Anglers catch protection &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Anglers as well as hunters in Pennsylvania now have recourse to the law if
they are menaced by animal rights activistsThat's right, you can't harass
hunters in Pennsylvania without breaking the law. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And when Feb. 17 arrives, new legislation signed by Gov. Tom Ridge makes it
illegal to beleaguer anglers and boaters involved in fishing activities. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Ridge signed the legislation that will become effective in February in late
December. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The law protects anglers from animal rights fanatics who strive to disrupt
sport angling. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 It may at first seem that such legislation is unnecessary, or that it
borders on the ridiculous. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Not so. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Believe it: Animal rights groups have formed anti-fishing factions. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 These factions have an agenda that includes humanizing fish, dehumanizing
fishing and competing with similar groups for the financial patronage of
people who share the same foolish philosophy. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Last year the animals rights group People For the Ethical Treatment of
Animals launched a small-sized and unsuccessful campaign to disrupt select,
highly visible, big-time bass fishing tournaments nationwide as well as
saltwater tournaments in New Jersey. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The group made the press, but the results were laughable. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Despite the presence of a few protesters, the tournaments continued without
a hitch. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 This year, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and other animal
rights groups have vowed to continue their campaign to end sport fishing on
the grounds that it is cruel and inhumane. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Like all extreme animal rights groups, it does not condone hunting,
fishing, trapping or any other consumptive use of animals, nor does it
recognize hunting as a legitimate wildlife management tool. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 While their philosophies may differ on minor points, virtually all radical
animal rights organizations disapprove of any use of any animal by humans.
Such groups emotionally empower animals with the same rights, privileges and
status as human beings. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Threats by organized extremists to terrorize anglers and disrupt sport
fishing have been well publicized, but no incidents have been documented in
Pennsylvania, according to the state Fish and Boat Commission. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 That has not been the case with hunting. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Bear as well deer hunters in the Northeastern part of the state have been
sporadically targeted by ineffective anti groups. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The results of these hunting "disruptions" have been negligible. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 But such hunting disruptions must be taken seriously, as should the threat
of interference on the sport fishing scene. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Obviously, the fact that the new law will take effect next month indicates
that Pennsylvania's legislators do not take such matters lightly. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "This law is important to ensure that individuals who enjoy fishing or wish
to take a boat ride may do so and have a quality experience without being
hounded," said Fish Commission Executive Director Peter A. Colangelo in a
prepared statement. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Violation of the law will bring a fine of $100 or imprisonment not to
exceed 90 days. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Fish Commission officers as well as anglers or boaters affected by a
violation of the law are entitled to resort to legal action to end the illegal
conduct and recover damages. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 All this should be considered excellent news because the new legislation
puts the law squarely on the side of hunters and anglers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 And it justly thwarts the silly threats and antics of antis who would like
nothing more than to undermine our outdoors heritage. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 George Smith is The Times Leader outdoors editor. His column appears on
Friday and Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anglers Catch Protection Anglers As Well As Hunters In Pennsylvania Now Have Recourse To The Law If They Are Menaced By Animal Rights Activists.