December 18, 2025

Hoyle, Lawler, Dingell and Fitzpatrick Introduce SAW Act to Ban Snowmobile-based Wolf Hunting on Federal Lands

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) introduced the Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons (SAW) Act, bipartisan legislation that would make it plainly illegal to use a motor vehicle to intentionally hurt or kill wolves and other species on federal land. The SAW Act establishes clear federal penalties for using vehicles as weapons against wildlife, while preserving an exception for situations involving imminent danger to human life.

“At a time when the House is taking up problematic legislation to remove federal protections for gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act, it’s more important than ever to stand up for responsible stewardship of our public lands and wildlife,” said Congresswoman Hoyle. “This bipartisan legislation shows we can work through thoughtful policy debates on conservation and wildlife management without condoning cruel and dangerous practices that threaten animals and public safety.”

“Using motor vehicles as weapons against wildlife has no place on our federal lands. This legislation makes clear that intentionally harassing, hunting, or killing animals with motor vehicles is unacceptable and will be met with serious consequences. The SAW Act protects both public safety and wildlife while allowing for common-sense exceptions for self-defense,” said Congressman Lawler.

“Our public lands are places where wildlife, especially endangered species like wolves, are federally protected. Anyone who uses a motor vehicle to intentionally harm or kill wildlife on public lands must be held accountable. I’m proud to co-lead this commonsense bipartisan legislation to uphold protections for wildlife to live safely on public lands,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I take seriously our responsibility to ensure wildlife on federal lands is protected under clear and enforceable law. The SAW Act clarifies federal standards by prohibiting the intentional use of motor vehicles to harm or kill wildlife, closes an enforcement gap, and strengthens public safety. I will always champion responsible wildlife protection policies that respect federal stewardship and the rule of law,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

Under the SAW Act, any person who intentionally uses a motor vehicle to kill, wound, or harass a predator species, such as wolves, on federal land would face fines of up to $10,000, up to five years in prison, or both. The bill includes a narrow exception for individuals acting to avoid serious injury or death to themselves or others. The legislation authorizes the Department of the Interior to investigate violations and allows for coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as appropriate. The Representatives introduced this legislation in response to a horrific incident where a person allegedly gravely injured a wolf with a snowmobile and later killed it after parading it around at a bar.
 
The SAW Act is endorsed by the Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy and supported by the Animal Wellness Action-led coalition of 254 local, state, regional and national organizations that are also working to support a more humane society. A full list of those organizations can be found here.
 
“Running animals down with motor vehicles is a grotesque form of cruelty that has no place on our federal lands,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “The SAW Act addresses a horrifying and unthinkable abuse—turning 500-pound vehicles into weapons to crush and kill wolves, coyotes, and other wildlife—and establishes a legal standard forbidding the practice. Reps. Hoyle and Lawler are bringing common sense to public-lands use by advancing this anti-cruelty legislation.”
 
Full text of the SAW Act can be found here.

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