Wildlife killing competitions in New York could soon be banned under legislation finalized on Wednesday in the state Assembly. 

The measure is meant to address competitions in which animals are killed for money and prizes. There are exceptions under the measure and competitions that involve white-tailed deer, turkey, bear, or fishing are not covered by the proposed ban. 

“Most New Yorkers would be shocked to learn that dozens of horrific, unsporting contests take place each year in New York to kill the largest number of certain species of wildlife, or some other metric like the largest specimen,” said Assemblymember Deborah Glick, the bill's main sponsor in the Assembly. “These killing contests encourage senseless brutality, and serve absolutely no scientifically backed ecological or conservation purpose. The wildlife of the state is a natural resource for all New Yorkers to enjoy, and to allow these cruel contests to incentivize wasteful killing for cash is an insult to nature.”

The measure was previously approved this month in the state Senate; both chambers approved the measure in largely party-line votes.

If signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York would be the ninth state to outlaw the competitions. California, Vermont, New Mexico, Arizona, Massachusetts, Colorado, Washington state, Maryland and Oregon have similar laws or regulations on the books. 

"The fact that these contests and competitions are still legal in New York, and fall under the disgusting guise of 'entertainment' is not only absurd, it's inhumane," said Sen. Tim Kennedy, the sponsor of the measure in the state Senate. "This bill takes a real, meaningful step to outlaw these cruel events, and provides new protections for our wild animals."