Congressman Bentz Applauds the Advancement to Delist the Gray Wolf

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Following Congressman Bentz (R-OR) House floor speech last week outlining the dangers posed by the unchecked growth of gray wolf populations, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of delisting the gray wolf. The passage of H.R. 845, The Pet and Livestock Protection Act is an important step toward restoring common sense wildlife management and returning authority to state agencies.

“Today’s vote is a long-overdue acknowledgment that the federal government’s approach to gray wolf management has failed,” said Congressman Bentz. “From my first days in Congress, I have pushed to delist the gray wolf because the consequences of inaction are being felt every day in Oregon’s Second Congressional District. Ranching families are paying the price for policies made in Washington that ignore conditions on the ground. Delisting the gray wolf is a necessary first step toward restoring balance, protecting livestock, driving down the cost of beef prices, and returning wildlife management to the state agencies best equipped to do the job. I strongly urge the Senators of Oregon and the rest of their chamber to pass this legislation.”

“Oregon’s livestock producers have been hard hit economically due to predator activity. It is for this reason, the Oregon Cattleman’s Association supports the passage of HR845, The Pet and Livestock Protection Act, by the house of representatives which is the first step toward the delisting of the wolf. In Oregon, delisting will be a welcome relief to producers in ¾ of the state allowing for long overdue management options under the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. The assurances this bill offers will allow for quality wolf management and protection of private property,” said Oregon Cattleman’s Association, Tammy Dennee.

“Our most basic human and American rights are denied when we can’t legally take action to protect our own livestock from being harassed and killed right in front of our eyes. The current law is a form of entrapment that turns law abiding citizens into felons just for following their innate instinct to protect their home, family and livelihood. Humans and wolves are both apex predators, so protection laws must go both ways to maintain balance,” said Dr. Elise Flynn, Valley Falls, OR.

The House action follows Bentz’s recent floor remarks, where he highlighted the devastating impacts wolf depredation has had on livestock producers and rural economies, as well as the inability of states to effectively manage wolf populations under rigid federal control.

Listen to Congressman Bentz remarks, here.