Missing and Butchered Animals in North Dakota

Most of us has seen the protests happening in North Dakota against the Pipeline in the news and on social media. Another side of the story that is less prominent is what is happening to the area’s ranchers and their livestock. In a video statement North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson shares what she reported in a recent meeting with officials from Department of Interior and the Army Corp of Engineers.
Ellingson: “We appreciate the opportunity to have a face to face conversation with decision makers about the severe situation that are impacting farmers and ranchers in the heart cattle country. Cases of vandalism and trespassing are every day occurrences that are impacting our farming and ranching community. Hopefully the message the decision makers receive today underscore the severity of the situation as well as the need for action to resolve this peacefully.”
Ellingson said law enforcement has also seen several cases of butchered, mutilated, injured and missing cattle, horses and bison over recent weeks in areas adjacent to sites occupied by protesters. To date, six bison, six cows and two horses have been found dead, two cows have been shot and injured and more than 30 cows and calves have been reported missing.
She also emphasized the challenges caused by roads being blocked or closed either by protest activity or law enforcement’s response to it to ensure safety at a time when farmers and ranchers are busy harvesting, hauling hay, shipping calves and moving their herds from summer pasture.