Taxpayers Spend $200K to Protect Cattle
Source: Associated Press
Records show that the U.S. government paid more than $200,000 to help a Michigan Upper Peninsula farmer protect his cattle from wolves.
MLive.com on Wednesday reported the estimate, citing documents it reviewed. The news organization says much is in administrative time and field work, besides about $38,000 in cash for cattle-loss claims and other assistance.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials have said John Koski's heavy livestock losses weren't the primary reason for last year's first wolf hunt in Michigan since the animal was placed on the endangered species list nearly four decades ago.
The Associated Press left a message Wednesday seeking comment with his attorney, Matthew Tingstad.
Last year, Koski was charged with animal cruelty involving donkeys the state supplied to protect his cattle from wolves.
Update: Corrects that money comes from federal government, not Michigan taxpayers.
