PA Bill Seeks to Revoke Hunting Licenses for Animal Cruelty
Pennsylvania Rep. Melissa Shusterman is reintroducing legislation to allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to revoke or deny hunting licenses for individuals convicted of animal cruelty. The proposal stems from a 2019 case where two Jefferson County teens, including Alexander Brock Smith, faced felony charges for abusing a wounded deer.
Why is Pennsylvania proposing to revoke hunting licenses?
The legislation seeks to close a gap in wildlife protection by linking hunting privileges to the humane treatment of all animals. Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester), co-chair of the General Assembly’s Animal Protection Caucus, argues that the state must provide a voice for animals that cannot speak for themselves.
According to a memo Shusterman sent to fellow House members, the bill would grant the Pennsylvania Game Commission the authority to deny or revoke licenses for those with animal cruelty convictions. The goal is to establish a standard of humane protection for wildlife across the Commonwealth.
How did a 2019 viral video trigger this legislation?
The push for this law follows a 2019 incident involving two teenagers in Jefferson County. A viral video showed the pair kicking a wounded deer, leading to felony aggravated animal cruelty charges against 18-year-old Alexander Brock Smith and an unidentified 17-year-old male, as reported by WTAJ.
The public nature of the crime—captured and shared via social media—highlighted a legislative void. While the teens faced criminal charges, existing laws did not automatically strip their ability to hold hunting licenses based on those specific cruelty convictions.
What happens if the animal cruelty bill passes?
If passed, the Pennsylvania Game Commission would gain a new administrative tool to vet license applicants. This would create a two-tier consequence for animal abusers: the legal penalties imposed by the court and the administrative penalty of losing hunting rights.
This shift reflects a broader trend in wildlife management where licenses are treated as privileges rather than rights. By integrating cruelty convictions into the licensing process, the state aims to deter the torture of wildlife.
How does this compare to existing hunting regulations?
Current regulations typically revoke licenses for specific hunting violations, such as poaching or illegal weapon use. Shusterman’s proposal expands this scope to include general animal cruelty, regardless of whether the act occurred during a legal hunt.
This distinction is critical. It moves the focus from “hunting law” to “animal ethics,” suggesting that an individual’s conduct toward any animal is an indicator of their fitness to hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is introducing the animal cruelty legislation?
Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester), who also serves as the co-chair of the General Assembly’s Animal Protection Caucus.
What specific incident led to this bill?
A 2019 viral video showing two Jefferson County teens, including Alexander Brock Smith, abusing a wounded deer.
Can the Game Commission already revoke licenses?
The Game Commission can revoke licenses for hunting violations, but this bill specifically targets those convicted of animal cruelty.
Join the conversation: Should animal cruelty convictions automatically result in the loss of hunting privileges? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Pennsylvania wildlife laws.