The cattle industry heaved a collective sigh of relief as the Senate introduced the Black Vulture Relief Act, endorsed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The act, championed by Senator Markwayne Mullin, serves as a companion to the legislation previously presented in the House of Representatives in 2023. The key objective of this act is to provide a respite to the economic hardship experienced by cattle producers due to the predation of black vultures.
The Toll on Cattle Producers
Gene Copenhaver, the NCBA Policy Division Chair, underscored the financial damage that black vulture attacks can inflict on small, family-run cattle farms. He expressed criticism of the existing regulations that limit producers from adequately safeguarding their livestock. Copenhaver argued that black vultures, whose population numbers in the millions, do not require federal protection, making this new legislation crucial for the livelihoods of cattle producers.
A Step Towards Relief
The NCBA has expressed appreciation for the efforts of both Senator Mullin and Representatives John Rose and Darren Soto for their advocacy on behalf of cattle producers. A member of the NCBA and a Missouri cattle producer, who had witnessed black vulture attacks on his herd, previously offered testimony in the House Natural Resources Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee. The testimony underscored the gravity of the situation for those involved in the industry.
Implications of the Act
The Black Vulture Relief Act is a bipartisan legislation aimed at allowing cattle producers to take immediate action against vultures without requiring a permit when their livestock is at risk of injury or death. This legislation offers a response to the devastating impacts of black vulture predation on small, family-owned cattle operations. It aims to provide relief to cattle producers from the financial and emotional devastation caused by these attacks, signifying a crucial step towards safeguarding the interests of the cattle industry.
