Controversial Aerial Culling of Feral Cattle in Gila National Forest
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Aerial Hunt
This week, commencing February 23, 2023, the United States Forest Service has authorized an aerial operation to hunt down 150 feral cattle in Gila National Forest, New Mexico. This decision comes at the request of the Center for Biological Diversity, which claims that these animals are causing significant damage to stream banks and vegetation. Despite local ranchers arguing that such measures are unnecessary and inhumane, the plan has been greenlit.
Section 1.1: Background on Feral Cattle
Feral cattle have roamed the Gila National Forest for over five decades, a situation resulting from abandoned farms and broken fences. Recently, the New Mexico Livestock Board issued a directive enabling grazing permit holders to capture these cows, a task previously deemed unfeasible. Local ranchers assert that with adequate time, they could effectively round up the cows. Nevertheless, the Center for Biological Diversity is insisting on the immediate initiation of aerial culling.
Subsection 1.1.1: Legal Proceedings
Today, the Federal District Court for the District of New Mexico ruled that the aerial slaughter can proceed, rejecting a last-minute lawsuit from a coalition that includes both the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association and the Humane Farming Association.
Section 1.2: Ethical Considerations
Numerous animal rights organizations argue that aerial hunting is inherently cruel, drawing parallels with similar practices involving bears and wolves. The Center for Biological Diversity has previously condemned such hunts for other species, making it challenging to justify their current stance on the feral cows, who have inhabited these public lands for many years.
Chapter 2: Environmental Impact and Alternatives
The first video titled "Gila National Forest to begin feral cattle aerial shooting operation" provides further insights into the environmental and ethical implications of the upcoming operations.
The second video titled "Portion of Gila Wilderness closes ahead of operation to kill feral cows" discusses the area closures and the community response.
There are concerns regarding the decomposition of the animals post-culling, which has previously led to contamination of local streams—streams the Center for Biological Diversity claims to protect. The Forest Service has stated it will remove carcasses to prevent further pollution. If they are capable of accessing these sites for carcass removal, why not intervene to capture the cows in a non-lethal manner instead?
Choosing lethal measures over potentially effective non-lethal solutions sets a troubling precedent. It appears contradictory for an environmental organization to advocate for "resolving" a situation by killing animals that have simply been following their instincts in their natural habitat.
This evening, the Center for Biological Diversity issued a press release celebrating the forthcoming culling.