PUEBLO, Colo. — Each year, the Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association (CICA) spends time at the annual convention discussing at length the issues that threaten the independent live cattle industry in Colorado. At the 2018 convention held this past June in Pueblo, CO, one of the concerns of producers living in the southeastern part of the state was the proposed Wild Animal Sanctuary, called “The Refuge,” coming to Baca and Las Animas counties. Earlier this year, the Wild Animal Sanctuary purchased 9,004 acres and leased 680 acres in the area when the 789 acres the organization owns in Keenesburg, CO needed to expand. They plan to move many of their 450 lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and other carnivorous animals to this ranch in the middle of cattle country.
The move of these animals to Baca and Las Animas counties will pose numerous threats to the neighboring families and livestock. Due to the topography of the area that includes canyons, draws, cap rocks, water gaps, etc., the containment of these animals cannot be guaranteed. In addition, the area is susceptible to unpredictable events such as fires, floods, tornadoes, and blizzards. These events can cause sudden, drastic changes to the topography that can quickly diminish the effectiveness of any fences or barriers that separate these predatory animals from local families and livestock. CICA hasvery clear policy to protect the rights of private property owners, and the use of this land for “The Refuge” would clearly decrease safety and land value of private property owners in the area. It is because of these reasons the resolution to oppose this development was placed on our 2018 Ballot. Each voting member (which is any member who owns cattle) is allowed one vote, and the resolution to oppose this passed by 93 percent.
If you would like to join your voice in the fight for private property rights and many other issues that threaten the independent live cattle industry, visit our website at www.coloica.com for information about CICA and how to get involved.
— Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association
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