A coyote killing contest in western Kansas has settled a lawsuit with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, reports The Topeka Capital-Journal.
The settlement ends a legal threat that had labeled the contest “cruel and inhumane.” The Smoky Hill Calling Contest was held in WaKeeney, Kansas, in January. At the event, the hunter who killed the most coyotes was awarded $500.
The organizers of the event have now agreed to never hold such a contest in Kansas again. They will pay more than $2,000 in legal fees and court costs.
Brendon McCampbell, executive Director for Western Plains Animal Refuge wildlife rehabilitators, said, “We are happy this horrible event has been cancelled, and we hope others like it will also be ended soon.”
This settlement marks the first time wildlife advocates have ever been able to stop such an event in Kansas.