Similar bill died in House last year

By Eric Tegethoff, Oregon News Service

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Some Oregon lawmakers are trying again to ban coyote-hunting contests.

During the 2019 session, state senators passed a bill to end coyote-killing tournaments, but it died in the House. The practice came under scrutiny last year after the Humane Society captured video of one of these contests in Burns.

The legislation sparked fierce criticism from Republicans, who say it’s an example of Democrats not understanding the rural Oregon lifestyle. Proponents of the bill, like director Lora Meisner of the Salem-based Coalition Advocating for Animals, say the contests are cruel.

“We have so much violence, and it’s bad enough with all the violence against people, but there’s just so much unnecessary…