Animal Rights Groups Proposition Vilsack

Even before the confirmation hearing for former Gov. Tom Vilsack takes place, likely making him the next Secretary of Agriculture, he is being propositioned to do away with the current U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services programs.

A coalition of 115 animal rights and vegan groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Humane Society of the United States, submitted a letter to Vilsack urging him to end the federal government's role in wildlife conflict management, disease prevention and protection of livestock utilizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services.

Coalition members said "Halting the agency's 'lethal control' programs should be one of the nominee's first steps once he is confirmed as secretary of agriculture."