Court Finds That Rule To Protect Endangered Antelopes Must Not Be Delayed

In a long-running litigation saga, a federal district court yesterday denied two requests – both by organizations that represent canned hunting facilities and the sport hunters who frequent them – to temporarily block a rule from going into effect that will protect three highly imperiled species of antelopes that were listed as endangered in 2005.  In 2009, on behalf of Defenders of Wildlife, the Humane Society of the United States, and Born Free USA, we obtained a judgment requiring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that these species are not harmed under the Endangered Species Act unless strict permitting requirements are first satisfied to enhance the species’ recovery.  The rule went into effect today, and yesterday’s ruling – in which we participated on behalf of the same organizations as in the earlier lawsuit – effectively means that, at present, members of these species cannot be killed or otherwise harmed unless and until an entity obtains the permits required by law.  The court’s ruling can be viewed here.