Action Alert - Save the Chirikof Cows

URGENT - Save the Chirikof Cows

Your calls, faxes, and emails are needed immediately to help save dozens of wild cows and calves suffering terribly aboard a barge off the coast of Alaska. The cattle, whose ancestors have roamed wild on Chirikof Island for over a century, were rounded up and herded onto the barge, headed for slaughter, late last month, and sit on the broken barge at Kodiak Island. However, they have been aboard the ship for weeks now, due to bad weather and poor planning. These 23 cows and calves are packed in so tightly they can barely move, and are suffering from lack of food and water. Observers have reported that calves are being squeezed by the larger cows and that 3 cows have been shot due to broken legs. The surviving cows remained on the barge last night through snow and a prolonged period of cold rain, waiting to be rescued.

The impetus for this cruel, unnecessary plan? The US Fish and Wildlife Service claims the cattle need to be removed from the island in order to protect bird populations. However, biological evidence shows that both birds and cattle have been coexisting on the island for almost 150 years. These cows were originally left on the island by the Russians and are a special and particularly attractive breed of cow. Most local residents of the island are highly opposed to the eradication plan, as the wild cattle are, to many, a unique link to the island’s historical past. Alaska’s Governor Frank Murkowski has been a vocal opponent of the USFWS’ plan as well, and has spoken out in support of letting the Chirikof Island cattle live in peace. The Humane Society of the U.S. has offered to provide food and assistance to protect the cows from starvation or slaughter, and The Fund for Animals has offered the cows sanctuary at the Black Beauty Ranch in Texas. However, the cows' fate still hangs in the balance.

In order to save these cows and calves, we need to immediately bombard the USFWS with phone calls, emails, and faxes! Ask them to STOP their cruel extermination of cattle on Chirikof Island and to take action immediately to allow the dozens of cattle aboard the ship to disembark and head for sanctuary instead of slaughter.