New legislation targets black vulture predation on livestock

USAgNet - 01/29/2024

In response to increasing black vulture attacks on livestock, Congress is deliberating two bills, the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023. These proposed acts in the U.S. House and Senate aim to support livestock producers in protecting their newborn animals from vulture predation.

The bills target black vultures, a species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Black vultures, known for their aggressive behavior and tendency to hunt newborn cattle, goats, and sheep, have caused significant economic losses to ranchers.This problem has been escalating, with reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services showing a 25% increase in vulture attacks between 2020 and 2022.

Currently, these birds are protected, making it illegal to harm them without a permit, complicating ranchers' efforts to protect their livestock. The new legislation, if passed, would allow farmers to "take" black vultures without a permit in defense of their livestock.

The issue of vulture predation has become more prominent, with various agricultural organizations advocating for the rights of livestock producers. This situation highlights the need to balance wildlife conservation with agricultural interests.

The proposed legislation seeks to address these concerns by providing a more streamlined process for ranchers to protect their animals while maintaining respect for migratory bird treaties.

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