New Senate Bill Tightens Control of Compensation Payments to Oregon Farmers for Livestock Killed by Wolves

Oregon lawmakers are clamping down on compensation claim guidelines for payment for livestock killed by wolves.

Farmers Will Have to Prove That Wolves Killed Animals and Spend 50% of the Compensation on Non-Lethal Deterrents

In the future, farmers will have to prove that their livestock was killed or injured by a wolf, with verification from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), or a designated official.

The Senate Bill also makes it compulsory for farmers to spend 50% of compensation payments on non-lethal deterrents like fencing, alarm systems, and guard dogs.

The Bill Hands Responsibility to Counties

The Bill hands responsibility to counties to establish programs to manage compensation and deterrent funding by establishing Wolf Depredation Advisory Committees to review claims and determine compensation payouts.

Members of the committee must include a county commissioner, two livestock owners or managers, two wolf conservation supporters, and two local business representatives. The committee will be responsible for setting local guidelines and must ensure that 50% of the compensation payments are used for non-lethal deterrents.

The Senate Bill tightens control of the Wolf Depredation Program and is also an effort to stop fraudulent claims.

The program was initiated in 2011, allowing farmers and workers to apply for compensation if livestock and working animals are injured or killed by wolves.

The new bill restricts qualifying compensation to claims confirmed by the ODWF or a designated official to prevent unverified claims for compensation.

Furthermore, stipulating that 50% of the money must be spent on non-lethal deterrents will add another layer of security to the payments.

A Multiplier System Will Formalize Payment Formula

Another change is a multiplier system to formalize a clear payment formula.

Payments are as follows: A fair market value for calves, sheep, and goats will be multiplied by five and cattle by three. The multiplier system does not apply to horses, other livestock, and working dogs. Farmers can make claims of up to $25,000 per animal.

Compensation will be paid to farmers who can prove that a wolf injured or killed their livestock. The claim must be verified by the ODFW, or a designated official. They must also demonstrate adherence to best management practices, particularly in areas where wolves are known to be active.