BLM cites Idaho resident for dumping cattle carcasses on public land
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SHOSHONE, Idaho – Bureau of Land Management law enforcement from the Twin Falls District recently wrapped up an investigation into the dumping of 13 cattle carcasses on public land just outside Shoshone. A BLM employee discovered the carcasses earlier this winter. This isn’t the first time a substantial number of carcasses dumped on public land have been discovered.
During the investigation, brands on the cattle led law enforcement to the owner. Illegally disposing of waste on public land is a misdemeanor (43 Code of Federal Regulations 8365.1-1) and can carry a maximum one-year jail sentence and up to a $1,000 fine.
Once law enforcement confirmed the identity of the person responsible for the illegal dumping, a citation was issued. Additionally, the individual will be required to remove the carcasses.
“Disposing of household or construction waste or dead animals or leaving behind trigger trash are not victimless crimes,” said Twin Falls District Law Enforcement Ranger Mike Billo. “We do our best to investigate these illegal dumping sites and hold those responsible accountable.”
“It is extremely unfortunate that this type of activity occurs all too frequently on our public lands,” said Shoshone Field Manager Codie Martin. “It has a domino effect that reverberates through our communities; from the hunters and hikers offended by the sight and smell to the grazing permittees that have to move their cattle to a different pasture due to a reasonable concern of contagious disease from not knowing the cause of death.
The Twin Falls District would like to urge those who are recreating on public land to do so responsibly and help us keep our public lands beautiful and clean by reporting cases of illegal dumping. If you see something, say something; please call (208) 735-4600 to report the dumping.
#DontDumpIdaho
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.