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Governor Otter weighs
in on grizzly killing
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August 24, 2011 |
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Idaho
Governor Butch Otter asked Secretary of
the Interior Ken Salazar for "fairness
and compassion from the federal
government," in dealing with federal
charges against a Bonners Ferry man for
killing a grizzly bear May 8. |
Idaho Govenor C.L. "Butch" Otter on Monday
weighed in on the side of Boundary County
Commissioners and Jeremy Hill, sending a letter
to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar asking
him to review the case and do what he can to
assist.
Here is the letter in its entirety:
"Dear Secretary Salazar,
"The U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho has
filed federal criminal charges under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) against Jeremy Hill
of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, for killing a grizzly
bear on his property on May 8, 2011. Mr. Hill
reported there were two other bears with the
grizzly that was killed.
"Upon killing the bear, Mr. Hill contacted the
Idaho Department of Fish and Game as a
responsible citizen should. He reported that he
thought his children were playing outside when
he saw the bear, and he was concerned about
their safety. Idaho Fish and Game visited Mr.
Hill's home, took his statement, and did not
pursue criminal charges. However, acknowledging
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS)
jurisdiction, Fish and Game reported the
incident to that agency and turned over the bear
carcass. The USFWS conducted its own
investigation, and turned the matter over to the
U.S. Attorne for prosecution.
"I recognize the federal jurisdiction under the
Endangered Species Act, but I strongly support
the right of individuals to defend themselves
and others in such situations. Many, including
me, feel Mr. Hill did what a concerned parent
would do. Now, Jeremy and his family must endure
the cost of a trial.
"In addition, the USFWS needs to consider the
impacts to grizzly recovery efforts because of
Jeremy's case. There is a great public outcry
about this issue, and prosecution may further
damage community support for recovery efforts.
There must be flexibility for citizens to
protect their loved ones and property, and a
sense of regulatory perspective about the larger
impact of such enforcement actions.
"One of the flaws of the ESA is the premium it
places on protecting species at the expense of
everything else. Although an individual can
protect human safety under the law - as Jeremy
felt he was doing - it's a shame that the
Endangered Species Act still does not enable
citizens to protect their private property and
pets in the same manner.
"No one disputes that Jeremy Hill killed a
grizzly bear. The dispute appears to be over the
reason for shooting the bear. I would sincerely
appreciate your looking into this case and
assisting any way you can.
"Thank you for your attention to this matter.
The citizens of Idaho are looking for fairness
and compassion from the federal government in
the resolution of this issue." |
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