Sheep Industry News November 2024

Support the Guard Dog Program

A nnual solicitations for ASI’s Guard Dog Program went out in the mail in October to producers and industry supporters who have contributed to the program in the past. This is in addition to a call to action that was included in the June issue of the Sheep Industry News . “Please consider a contribution this year to lend a hand to protect the sheep industry,” read the letter from ASI Execu tive Director Peter Orwick. “This is the only way that the organization can assist with or lead litigation. Annual dues from state associations are spent 100 percent on lobbying in Washington, D.C., so there is no balance left for litigation or legal analysis of federal decisions.” In addition to contributions to Superior Farms’ Stop the Ban campaign in Denver, the Guard Dog Program has contributed to four active court cases in 2024. Each of these issues is important to the American sheep industry. The effort to outlaw slaughterhouses in Denver – which directly and solely targeted Superior’s lamb plant in the city – will be voted on by city residents this month. But the battle is far from over as animal rights activists said the city referendum was a “test case” in their battle to end animal slaughter in major cities nationwide. For that reason, the cattle, pork and meat industries joined the American sheep industry’s efforts to raise funds for Superior’s campaign to defeat the referendum. Once the votes are counted on Nov. 5, we’ll know if the campaign was successful in its efforts. “While we all face challenges as producers, feeders, and lamb and wool processors, we need to come together to support our industry,” said ASI President Brad Boner. “State sheep producer organizations recognize this opportunity and are the primary requests of ASI Guard Dog funds. All funding requests are reviewed by the Executive Board or, when possible, the full Board of Directors.” But the battle rages on, as the Guard Dog Program con tinues to contribute resources to four active court battles: • ASI and partners are active in the de-listing of the wolf following legal action by Defenders of Wildlife to keep the animals on the Endangered Species Act status. • ASI joined coalition efforts with Guard Dog funds to challenge the Department of Interior “landscape health” rule that would put conservation on the same level of per mits as grazing and energy.

• ASI is a partner in a challenge of legal action by Western Watersheds to force grazing permit closure until National Environmental Policy Act compliance is complete. The practice of allowing permit issuance until the govern ment catches up on compliance analysis is the only fair approach and ASI is mindful that one-third of all American sheep spend a portion of the year on federal grazing lands. • ASI supports the Montana Wool Growers Association and livestock groups in challenging policy that would all but shut down coyote trapping in grizzly habitat. This would set a bad precedent if allowed to stand given the expansion of habitat in this country. This is one of the largest demands on the Guard Dog pro gram in its history, which reflects the attitude of Wild Earth Guardians, Pro Animal Future and Western Watersheds in launching multiple attacks on the sheep industry. Only with your contribution to the Guard Dog program is it possible for ASI to participate. Without your support as a Guard Dog contributor, ASI would be on the sidelines with no ability to lead – much less participate – in critical situations such as those listed above. “For those who have contributed in the past, I hope that you will continue to support the Guard Dog Program,” Orwick said. “If you haven’t contributed previously, now would be a great time to join your fellow sheep producers in supporting ASI’s efforts to protect the industry in a variety of legal battles.” Guard Dog Program contributors are recognized in several ways by ASI. A list of donors appears at least twice a year in the Sheep Industry News magazine, and donors are also recognized on banners that hang at the ASI Annual Convention each year in January. There are several ways to contribute. If you received the annual fall solicitation, simply return the contribution form with a check made payable to the Guard Dog Program. If you haven’t received the form, you can mail a check to ASI, 9785 Maroon Circle, Suite 360, Englewood, CO 80112. You can also visit SheepUSA.org/about-donate to contribute online via a credit card. “My family – similar to the Boner family has contributed since the program was born 20 years ago,” said ASI Vice President Ben Lehfeldt of Montana. “Funding needs are out running finances this year given the raft of federal regula tions issued that threaten the industry, as well as animal rights attacks.”

8 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org