The United States Forest Service will kill approximately 150 feral cows that inhabit the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, alleging that they “pose a significant threat to public safety and natural resources.”
It will shooting from helicopters in an operation that will begin this Thursday and will last until Sunday. The measure will be developed in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service program.
Gila National Forest Supervisor Camille Howes says the decision to lethally remove cattle it has been difficult but “necessary to protect public safety, habitats for threatened and endangered species, water quality, and the natural character of Gila National Parks.”
According to Howes, the wild cattle that live in that area are aggressive with 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, farmers in the area are concerned because of the possibility that the tagged cattle may have strayed into the wild, as their fences have been damaged during a strong monsoon season.
In this regard, the Forest Service has pledged to continue working to remove tagged animals from areas where they are not authorized.
The New Mexico Cattle Producers Association, along with other organizations such as the Humane Livestock Association, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the US Forest Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Federal District Court, in an attempt at block the “cruel and inhumane” killing.