US orders 150 wild cows to be killed by helicopter gunships
U.S. Forest Service Will kill approximately 150 wild cows inhabiting the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, claiming they “pose a significant threat to public safety and natural resources.”
It will firing from helicopters in an operation that will begin this Thursday and run through Sunday. The measure will be developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service program.
Gila National Forest supervisor Camille Howes says the decision to lethally remove livestock. has been difficult but “necessary to protect public safety, threatened and endangered species habitats, water quality, and the natural character of the Gila National Parks.”
According to Howes, the feral livestock that inhabit that area are. aggressive to visitors and its passage along the banks of streams and springs causes “erosion and sedimentation,” so this is the “most effective and humane way to address the problem.”
Marked animals
Following the announcement of this radical measure, cattle ranchers in the area are concerned about the possibility that tagged cattle have strayed into the wilderness area, as their fences have been damaged during a strong monsoon season.
In this regard, the Forest Service has pledged to continue working to. remove the marked animals from areas where they are not authorized.
The New Mexico Livestock Producers Association, along with other organizations such as the Humane Livestock Association, filed suit Tuesday against the U.S. Forest Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in federal district court in an attempt to block “cruel and inhumane” slaughter..
