The US Forest Service has recently sparked outrage with its decision to shoot down 150 feral cattle in the Gila Wilderness of southwestern New Mexico.
This barbaric plan involves helicopters and sharpshooters, just like they would hunt boars, leaving many Americans shocked and disturbed. Adding to the controversy is the fact that while this decision was made, a Chinese spy balloon flew across the country without any action taken by the government – a double standard that raises further questions about our government’s priorities.
Ranchers are especially outraged as these so-called “unauthorized” cows have been grazing on public lands for generations and are an important part of their livelihoods. They argue that there are better ways to manage these cattle such as rounding them up and relocating them elsewhere instead of simply shooting them down. Hikers and environmentalists have argued that these cows harm habitats and threaten wildlife in the area, but there is still strong opposition from those who rely on cattle for their jobs and businesses.
Animal rights activists have also voiced their concerns about this move, stating that it’s cruel and unnecessary to shoot down these cows from helicopters. They argue that there are more humane ways to manage these animals.
According to Property Rights Committee Chair Shad Sullivan, the “cattle in question are descendants of herds that legally grazed on rancher-owned allotments decades ago,” and “estrays may have intermingled with adjacent allotment owners branded and tagged cattle, proving they are domestic livestock,” contrary to the Forest Service’s claim the cattle are “feral.” Sullivan also noted that a fire last year “destroyed over 30 miles of fencing near the aerial gunning operation area.”
In Sullivan’s view, “not only is the gunning down of the animals inhumane and cruel, but an environmental issue as well.” He added that the results of last year’s chopper hunt “were in some cases considered grotesque, as some cattle were shot but were not killed,” “calves were left motherless, and mature cattle received injuries that prolonged suffering, leading to an inevitable death and leaving carcasses strewn about the land and in waterways.”
In conclusion, the decision by the Biden administration to approve shooting down cows from helicopters has sparked outrage among ranchers and animal rights activists alike. It’s a barbaric move that raises questions about our government’s priorities. While complaints about trampled habitats and threatened wildlife should be taken seriously, there are better ways to manage these feral cattle than resorting to violence. We must find a solution that balances both environmental concerns and the livelihoods of those who depend on these animals for their businesses.
