Wildlife Services, the ironically named branch of the USDA that shot, trapped and poisoned over 6 million animals between 2004 and 2006, is mostly unknown to the public that finances it. The two deadliest poisons used by the agency to intentionally exterminate native predators inconvenient to private livestock and hobby ranchers – known commonly as Compound 1080 and M-44s – are unnecessary, indiscriminate and outrageously cruel. To outlaw these lethal land mines nationwide, Oregon’s Representative Peter Defazio has formally introduced H.R. 4775, the Compound 1080 and M-44 Elimination Act. Although it’s not purely a local issue, H.R. 4775 has its roots in Oregon, deserves support and needs our help. I volunteer with Predator Defense, the national non-profit organization based in Oregon, that's behind the bill. More...