Bill > HM44

This Memorial, originating from concerns of ranchers and farmers in southwestern New Mexico, requests that the New Mexico Livestock Board, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and the United States Forest Service collaborate to address the problem of feral and unbranded cattle, which are cattle that have become wild and are not owned or marked by anyone. These cattle, primarily originating from the Gila wilderness and Gila National Forest, are causing issues in a "fence out" state, meaning landowners are responsible for containing livestock on their own property, and the removal of these trespassing animals can be costly for them. The Memorial highlights that state law dictates proceeds from the sale of such cattle go back to the Livestock Board, which has the authority to enter into agreements with other entities, but does not typically gather cattle on private land. Therefore, the resolution encourages these government bodies and other relevant parties to work together to find solutions and establish agreements for the expedited removal of these unbranded and wild cattle, and copies of this Memorial will be sent to key officials in these agencies.