Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon ranchers say they are unhappy with their treatment in Salem after the news of wolf attacks on livestock in eastern Oregon.

The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association says a bill to loosen the restrictions on killing wolves now appears dead for this year.

Ranchers say that the recent killing of 24 sheep in Baker County by wolves shows the need for a rule change.

Jim Welsh is the lobbyist for the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association.

Jim Welsh: “We are just assuming at this point in time that there will not be a hearing. We will seek another avenue to have a bill written. It is a hot topic, and if there is anything to gain, this is the time to do it.”

Democratic Agriculture Committee chair Brian Clem scheduled an informational hearing today (Thursday) for ranchers to speak about new wolf dangers.

But Welsh says that hearing doesn’t mean anything legislatively.

In May, the federal government will officially remove wolves from the Endangered Species list.

Yet, Oregon’s endangered species act will remain in place, protecting the wolves within state borders.