Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023

1/2/2024, 8:15 PM

Summary of Bill S 3358

Bill 118 s 3358, also known as the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the issue of black vultures causing harm to livestock and property in certain regions of the country. The bill seeks to provide relief to farmers and ranchers who have been negatively impacted by the presence of black vultures on their land.

The Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 proposes several measures to help mitigate the damage caused by black vultures. These measures include authorizing the Department of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers for the implementation of non-lethal methods to deter black vultures, such as the use of scare tactics or fencing. The bill also calls for increased research and monitoring of black vulture populations to better understand their behavior and develop more effective strategies for managing their impact.

Additionally, the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 includes provisions for the issuance of permits to allow for the lethal taking of black vultures in cases where non-lethal methods have proven ineffective or impractical. These permits would be subject to strict regulations to ensure that they are only used as a last resort and in a manner that minimizes harm to the overall black vulture population. Overall, the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 aims to strike a balance between protecting the interests of farmers and ranchers who are affected by black vultures and ensuring the conservation of black vulture populations. The bill recognizes the importance of addressing this issue in a responsible and sustainable manner, taking into account the needs of both humans and wildlife.

Congressional Summary of S 3358

Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023

This bill allows livestock producers and their employees to take certain actions against black vultures to protect livestock. (Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.)

Specifically, livestock producers and their employees may (1) take (i.e., capture, kill, or disperse, or transport the carcass of) a black vulture that they reasonably believe will cause death, injury, or destruction to livestock; or (2) in the course of taking or attempting to take the black vulture, cause injury to the bird. However, they may not take or attempt to take a black vulture through the use of poison.

Livestock producers and their employees must submit an annual report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on black vultures taken under this bill. The FWS must make this reporting form available on its website.

Currently, the FWS has a permit process under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the taking of black vultures.

Current Status of Bill S 3358

Bill S 3358 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since November 29, 2023. Bill S 3358 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on November 29, 2023.  Bill S 3358's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. as of November 29, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 3358

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
24
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
24
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 3358

Primary Policy Focus


Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 3358

Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023A bill to authorize livestock producers and their employees to take black vultures to prevent death, injury, or destruction to livestock, and for other purposes.
Start holding our government accountable!

Comments