Contrary to Reports, Bateman Will Not Co-Sponsor Legislation Increasing Buffer Zones

Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) said he would consider legislation to increase notification requirements by hunters when hunting near residences after a family’s dog, Tonka, was shot and killed with a crossbow after being mistaken for a coyote.

Sen. Kip Bateman said he would consider notification requirements for hunters near homes, and clarified that he has not agreed to co-sponsor legislation increasing buffer zones. (SenateNJ.com)

“As someone who loves animals, it’s hard to discount the anguish felt by Tonka’s family over his loss,” said Bateman. “I want to examine if requiring hunters to notify residents of hunting activities near their homes is a workable solution that can prevent accidents like these from happening in the future.”

Bateman also responded to stories that mistakenly reported that he had agreed to co-sponsor legislation with Sen. Ray Lesniak to increase buffer zones for hunters.

“Sen. Lesniak and I spoke about our mutual interest in preventing hunting accidents and working together to examine potential solutions,” added Bateman. “Those general discussions have been misinterpreted as my partnership on a specific legislative proposal he has announced to increase buffer zones around homes. To clarify, I have not agreed to co-sponsor his bill, which I am concerned would restrict access to areas that have been safely hunted without incident.”