WASHINGTON, D.C. (WEAU) – Thursday, the U.S. House passed the Pet and Livestock Protection Act introduced by Congressman Tom Tiffany from Wisconsin and Congresswoman Laurel Boebert from Colorado with 36 members of Congress cosponsoring the bill.
In a press release from Congressman Tiffany, the act delists the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act (ESA), prevents endless lawfare from overturning the decision and restores authority to state lawmakers and wildlife officials to responsibly manage gray wolf populations.
“When federal protections were first established for gray wolves in the Great Lakes region, populations were only in the hundreds. Today, there are well over 4,000 wolves across Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Despite this recovery, activist judges continue to ignore the science, leaving livestock and pets to be slaughtered and rural communities vulnerable,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany. “The Pet and Livestock Protection Act reflects a commonsense approach that has been recognized across administrations of both parties, including Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden. The gray wolf has recovered, and Wisconsin should be allowed to responsibly manage a population that has exceeded recovery goals without interference from out-of-state judges.”
The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association sent a press release applauding the House passage of this legislation, saying the move marks a significant step forward for Wisconsin’s cattle producers and rural communities who have faced increasing livestock losses, emotional stress and financial strain from the growing wolf population.
“The passage of this bill is a huge win for cattle producers who have lived for years with uncertainty and real consequences from unmanaged wolf populations,” WCA President Tressa Lacy said. “Science shows the gray wolf has more than recovered, yet producers have been left without meaningful tools to protect their livelihoods. Today’s vote sends a strong message that Congress is listening to farmers and ranchers who are impacted every day.”
The bill passed in the House by a bipartisan vote of 211-204. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.
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