Casperson calls for improved wolf population management

The Eastern Upper Peninsula recently had a group of beagles attacked by wolves.

The attack happened near Rudyard.  Reportedly, out of a group of nine beagles, five dogs were killed with others injured or still missing according to an investigation being conducted by the Department of Natural Resources.

In response to the attack, Senator Tom Casperson said there is a dire need and urgency for improved management of the wolf population in the Upper Peninsula.

Casperson released this statement in a press release:

“While groups including the Humane Society of the U.S. continue their efforts to stop a much-needed, recently approved, and limited wolf hunting season in certain parts of the UP, I continue to hear of more about the very real danger that wolves present, including incidents of wolves killing pets, wildlife and livestock.

“Contrary to the misleading claims recently circulated by activists that wolves rarely kill pets or livestock, these latest attacks verify how profoundly wolves have intruded upon our way of life in the UP and the serious threat that wolves pose to us.  Because of the actions and the extreme agenda of outside interests, this is a problem that now spans the entire Upper Peninsula.

“For those who support the Humane Society in an effort to show your love for dogs, cats and other companion animals, I urge you to instead give to your local animal shelters and animal rescue programs that care for and foster companion animals, as opposed to protecting the wild wolves that are killing our dogs and livestock.

“The legislature has passed and I supported a bill that allows the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to finally manage wolves according to sound science as they do with every other game species.

“While the Humane Society and others certainly have the right to pursue a referendum, no matter how misguided, it is also my right and obligation as senator for the area where wolves are actually located to protect the rights of the citizens of the Upper Peninsula who now have wolves, literally, in their own backyards.  And, it is my hope that some good can come from these savage attacks in that they act as a call for us to stand strong and stand together to fight against the extremely well-financed interests of those that only care about their own politically charged agendas.  And, make no mistake about it; their agenda is not simply to protect the wolf, but to promote an anti-hunting agenda.

“So, I am asking UP legislators and residents to show the incredible and unique spirit that makes the UP so special and work together to ensure that not only can we protect ourselves against the escalating threat caused by the wolf through scientific management, but to also ensure that our hunting heritage is preserved for generations to come.”