Recently, a government plan (S.J. Res. 69) was approved to kill up to 450,000 Barred Owls via federally hired snipers who will lure and shoot them. Their justification is to save the Spotted Owl, despite serious warnings from conservation scientists that the approach lacks evidence of success and may drain taxpayer resources.
Billions of taxpayer dollars will be used to destroy a wildlife species that has been protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, until now. This is not only a waste of taxpayer money, but it sets a dangerous precedent, that of federal agencies justifying killing native species in order to help another.
Essentially, conservation is being displaced by government-sanctioned slaughter.
It was concerning to note that Nevada Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen voted in favor of spending a billion dollars of taxpayer money to destroy the owls, along with a strategy to take Spotted Owls and cut down their native habitats in order to meet the Administration’s goals of timber harvesting. This means the timber industry will attempt to move forward with their ramped-up plans to begin cutting down old-growth forests.
Despite that Animal Wellness Action, a national organization that focuses on legislative advocacy, attempted to warn senators of the plan, it was unfortunate that the majority of Democrats sided with big timber, while a majority of Republicans voted to save the owls and taxpayer resources.
This was surprising as the Democrat party has typically been more animal-friendly when it comes to animal protection legislation. This just underscores the importance of working across party lines on animal issues.
A dissenting vote by our two senators sends the wrong message, not just to Nevada animal advocates, but to all citizens who expect our elected officials to uphold sound science, ethical wildlife practices, and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. We can call Senators Masto and Rosen to reconsider their stance, to support humane, scientifically credible solutions and to communicate with wildlife experts in lieu of pursuing mass removal by lethal means.
 Access each through this number and urge them to reconsider their vote: 202/224-3121.
