The Uintah Basin Cattlemen have added their support for HB 166 which “addresses the treatment and theft of livestock, including livestock guardian dogs and livestock infrastructure.” If HB 166 is passed, a person who shoots or steals a farmer’s livestock could lose their hunting privileges among other penalties. HB 166 also defines herding dogs as livestock and stiffens penalties for those that take herding dogs whether knowingly stealing or someone thinking they are rescuing the dog off the mountain. Richie Anderson, board member of Uintah Cattlemen Association stated: “The Uintah Basin Cattlemen unanimously support H.B. 166 (Livestock Amendments) and commend Representatives Casey Snider, Scott Chew, Christine Watkins, Kera Birkeland and Senator Winterton for their support of this bill. In the past, individuals who have purposely killed livestock have received a slap on the wrist while individuals who poach wildlife receive a much stricter penalty. This legislation will help protect Uintah Basin livestock producers.”
