Wednesday March 31, 2010, 7:58 am
And while it is a fact that the alligator population in Florida is estimated to be one million strong, the truth is that there is no justification for animal cruelty.

Hunters go out into the swamp at night, using searchlights mounted on their hats to scan the water for the distinctive, reflective eye-shine of the ancient reptiles. When an individual alligator is singled out, it is "snagged" with a vicious three-pronged hook used with a fishing rod, harpooned (the most popular method), or even shot with a bow.

After being hooked or harpooned, what can be a 400-pound, 10-foot-long alligator is fought to exhaustion. Once it becomes too tired and weak to fight any longer, the alligator is drawn to the side of the boat, its head is forced under the surface of the water, and a type of firearm called a bangstick is used to shoot in the head. The mouth is then taped, and the alligator is dragged into the boat. Although regulations state that the alligator must be dead before being dragged into the boat, improper placement and discharge of the bangstick frequently renders the alligator only temporarily unconscious. Officials know this, and hunters are instructed by the FWC to finish off the alligator by deeply slicing into its throat until the spinal cord is severed. This usually (but not necessarily always) works, and the unlucky reptile's prolonged suffering is finally brought to an end. Tony Young, the FWC's hunting expert, says "Believe it or not, hunters are concerned with humanely killing their game". This statement is thoroughly shocking, as there is nothing humane about any part of the FWC-approved killing process - it is absolutely inhumane and totally barbaric, inside and out.

As for the final fate of the alligators killed, the meat (particularly that of the tail) is usually eaten, the hides are made into goods such as boots, handbags, and belts, and the heads and limbs are chopped off and sold as curios. Needless to say, absolutely none of this is necessary. As they themselves have occasionally admitted, the alligator hunters do this because they enjoy the adrenaline rush that they get from torturing, killing, fighting with, and inflicting pain upon such huge and powerful animals - quite a twisted thing to make a "hobby" out of.

There is no excuse. The Florida Alligator Hunt is nothing but a primitive and barbaric bloodsport - Let's tell the FWC that we won't stand for it, and to end the Hunt immediately!

Wednesday March 31, 2010, 8:00 am
signed, thank-you Simone

Wednesday March 31, 2010, 8:16 am
Action taken!Thanks Simone.

Wednesday March 31, 2010, 9:11 am
Signed

Wednesday March 31, 2010, 12:06 pm
Noted, signed.

Wednesday March 31, 2010, 2:16 pm
I noticed that none of the above signers are Florida natives; if they were they might realize that there is a problem with over population of alligators in Florida. In some areas pets and children are at risk and it is a constant battle to keep alligators under control in populated areas. it is a necessary evil, but one that must be undertaken and the most cost effective way is to allow hunting, but that does not mean a more humane method can’t be used to kill the alligators. The cruelty of the current method is appalling and definitely needs to be changed. I also do not live in Florida any longer, but I have hundreds of family members that do and there is definitely a problem that can only be addressed with population reduction of either humans or alligators. Any rational individual is going to realize which population is going to be reduced and controlled.

Wednesday March 31, 2010, 2:56 pm
Signed. Thanks, Simone, And I am a Florida resident.

Wednesday March 31, 2010, 4:43 pm
I think it would be in the best interests of all to find a more humane way for the hunters to kill the alligators.

Thursday April 1, 2010, 2:15 am
signed and noted thanks Simone

Friday April 2, 2010, 4:00 am
This powerful predator is much in need...please don't hunt them down...
noted with thanks Simone! Signed.

Friday April 2, 2010, 4:11 am
Signed thanks.

Friday April 2, 2010, 4:39 am
Noted signed

Friday April 2, 2010, 4:51 am
noted & signed

Friday April 2, 2010, 5:29 am
Signed.

Friday April 2, 2010, 6:24 am
Signed

Friday April 2, 2010, 9:25 am
Signed thanks Simone

Friday April 2, 2010, 10:34 am
signed thanks

Friday April 2, 2010, 11:02 am
signed

Friday April 2, 2010, 4:29 pm
Noted and signed!

Friday April 2, 2010, 6:31 pm
Signed, TY

Saturday April 3, 2010, 3:59 am
Noted & Signed, TY
# 134: 3:58 am PDT, Apr 3, Cheree M.

Saturday April 3, 2010, 7:44 am
Signed and Noted TY Simone

Saturday April 3, 2010, 3:50 pm
Signed and noted. Leave them alone...they were here before we were! Stop taking all the animals land and food source.

Monday April 5, 2010, 9:20 am
Signed. Thank you

Thursday April 29, 2010, 1:35 pm
Thanks