| Yellowstone Bison Slaughter
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| News
Article 1/18/04 |
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| Bill
to ban slaughter of bison advances
By SCOTT McMILLION, Bozeman Chronicle Staff Writer,
1/18/04
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A
proposal to ban the killing of Yellowstone National Park
bison on any federal lands has picked up more than 40
sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The bill is similar to a measure that attracted wide support
in the House last year, failing by a fairly narrow margin
of 190 to 210.
I believe it was the first time most members of Congress
were aware of the issue, Michael Scott, director of the
Greater Yellowstone Coalition, said of last year's floor
debate and vote.
While the measure is a long way and a steep uphill slog
from becoming law, its reintroduction indicates a growing
national interest in the issue.
Its 42 cosponsors, almost all Democrats, come from many
parts of the country. Environmental and animal rights
groups that claim 9 million members support the bill.
It also comes at a time when state and federal regulators
are proposing to step up the fight against brucellosis,
a disease some of the bison carry. That fight would become
impossible without killing some bison, according to Karen
Cooper, spokeswoman for the Montana Department of Livestock.
She noted that existing policy calls for a free-ranging
bison herd to be allowed in the park and for Montana's
beef herds to be protected from the disease.
The state remains brucellosis free, Cooper said, and we
have close to a record (bison) population, so it seems
to be successful in that realm.
Bison advocates point out there's never been a documented
case of bison spreading brucellosis to cattle in wild
conditions.
The bill would not affect bison on private or state lands.
If bison stay on federal lands, they ought not to be killed
by agricultural interests, Scott said.
Michael Markarian, president of the Fund for Animals in
Silver Springs, Md., agreed the bill faces tough prospects,
but said its supporters will work on a grassroots campaign,
urging people to call lawmakers.
The bill is likely to face especially strong opposition
in the Senate.
It's one step at at time, Markarian said. We'll keep fighting
and see how far we get.
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