VERONA, WI: The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association (WCA) is grateful for today’s bipartisan passage of the Pet and Livestock Protection Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.
This legislation introduced by Reps. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) and Lauren Boebert (R-CO) restores the 2020 rule delisting gray wolves in the lower 48 states and prevents future judicial overturns. 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 growing wolf populations.
“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.”
Gray wolves were delisted in 2020, but a federal court ruling in 2022 overturned that decision. Since being listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1974, wolf populations have exceeded recovery goals by more than 300 percent nationwide.
The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association has long advocated for science-based wildlife management and state authority over wolf management decisions. WCA remains actively engaged and prepared to help navigate next steps as the legislation advances.
As part of that effort, Bob Mitchell serves on the Wisconsin Wolf Advisory Committee on behalf of the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, ensuring the voices of cattle producers are represented as wolf policy and management discussions continue at the state level. “Having representation at the table is critical,” Lacy added. “With Bob serving on the Wolf Advisory Committee, WCA is positioned and ready to respond, engage and advocate as we move forward following today’s vote. We will continue working with state and federal partners to ensure livestock producers are protected and rural voices are heard.”
The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association joins the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in urging the U.S. Senate to take up and pass the Pet and Livestock Protection Act to restore certainty and return wolf management authority to the states.
