Legislation that would remove wolves from the Endangered Species List has again passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
Congressman Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin co-authored the Pet and Livestock Protection Act and says the carnage has increased over the past few years. “It’s not just northern Wisconsin either, it’s around a big part of the state. A number of pictures that we’ve seen come in of dead pets and livestock, I mean, it’s really awful.”
Brady Zuck with the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association tells Brownfield the uncontrolled growth of the wolf population has put a great deal of mental strain and anguish on producers. “They’ve not only lost financial value in the animal that was killed, but it’s, like one member told me, every time I hear something at night, I think is it another wolf attack? Do I need to go out and check my cattle? Did they blow through a fence? What happened this time? It creates a lot of strain on our producers.”
And, Zuck says the stress on cattle has dramatically affected grazing habits and reproductive rates.
Tyler Wenzlaff with Wisconsin Farm Bureau tells Brownfield the wolf bill has been their top legislative priority going into this session. “Our members are frustrated. They will talk to you (saying) that they see wolves all of the time when their kids are waiting for the buses in the morning. They see wolves out in the pasture, so, they’re frustrated.”
A nearly identical bill passed the House last session but stalled in the Senate. Tiffany says the bill will need cloture, or 60 votes in the Senate to get to President Trump’s desk. He is hopeful it will pass this time since Republicans have a majority in the Senate.
