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Commission approves USDA APHIS wildlife-services contract after heated public criticism over cost, methods and reporting
Summary
After more than an hour of public comment criticizing animal-killing methods, costs and transparency, the Grant County Commission approved a one-year USDA APHIS wildlife-services agreement (A-25-08). Commissioners stressed accountability and left open the ability to terminate or revisit the contract.
Public commenters urged the Grant County Board of Commissioners on June 12 to reconsider the county’s contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services (APHIS), raising concerns about cost effectiveness, animal welfare and transparency. After public testimony and commissioner discussion, the board approved Agreement A-25-08, the APHIS work and financial plan, with the motion carried in open session.
Multiple speakers presented detailed objections. Carlos Martinez, a wildlife biologist, told the commission the contract “is not cost effective and it’s not even beneficial for what it is supposed to do,” citing 2024 removals that he said included coyotes and gophers and comparing annual program costs he estimated at roughly $94,000 to documented losses under $20,000. He urged the county to terminate the contract on fiscal…
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