Posted on 02/09/2022 8:11:00 AM PST by george76
The Bureau of Animal Protection has a new director, selected from a pool of candidates that included two animal rights attorneys and a wolf introduction and “humane food choice proponent.”
The final choice to lead the bureau, announced today by Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg, is Dr. Rebecca (Becky) Niemiec (pronounced “Knee-Mick”) an assistant professor in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department at Colorado State University and the director of the Conservation Action Lab.
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The BAP falls under the umbrella of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, but open records requests by The Fence Post indicate governor Jared Polis had a strong influence in the final selection.
Deputy ag commissioner Steve Silverman and his selection panel put forward four applicants to move forward in the interview process as finalists.
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Despite Silverman’s panel’s recommendation, on Jan. 25, Polis put forward three picks–none of whom appeared on the deputy commissioner’s short list.
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Niemiec conducted a study that advocated for the introduction of wolves to Colorado, and is currently leading a half million-dollar National Science Foundation grant in partnership with the City of Boulder and Mercy for Animals focused on promoting plant-based food choices. Mercy for Animals seeks to “construct a compassionate food system by reducing suffering and ending the exploitation of animals for food.”
According to their website, “Mercy For Animals’ mission is to construct a compassionate food system that is not just kind to animals but essential for the future of our planet and all who share it. Our vision of a world where animals are respected, protected, and free drives the work we do every day.”
Their stated methods of accomplishing this include undercover investigations, involvement in government policy and public affairs, corporate engagement, growing the market of plant-based foods, and keeping farmed animals in the headlines worldwide.
Concerning Message to Ag Producers..
Terry Fankhauser, executive vice president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, said of the three finalists suggested by Polis, Neimiec is probably the least objectionable. He says he is more concerned about this hire than even Polis’s appointment of Ellen Kessler to the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. Kessler is an outspoken animal rights and vegan activist who recently resigned after she publicly called ranchers “lazy and nasty.” There was no indication Polis called for her resignation.
“The message being sent by the governor is agriculture being a mortal enemy of the Department of Agriculture and the state,” Fankhauser said. “That message is being heard loud and clear. We are under attack.”
Colorado’s ag industry is also closely watching the nationwide search for a new deputy commissioner of agriculture to replace Silverman, who is leaving the department. Fankhauser said the major agriculture groups have not had a seat at the table as decisions for that post are made.
Kenny Rogers, a cattle producer and president-elect of the Colorado Livestock Association said the CDA and the governor’s office has ignored the input of the state’s long- standing agriculture groups.
“I never imagined it would be this bad,” he said. “They’re taking actions that have dire consequences for the state’s agriculture producers, and I believe they’re fully aware of those consequences.”
Qualifications and Background
Neimiec is currently an assistant professor in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department at Colorado State University. According to her application for the top job at the BAP, she is the co-director of the Center for Human Carnivore Coexistence and the director of the Conservation Action through Behavioral Science Lab. Among her connections, she lists Mercy for Animals, the City of Boulder, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Defenders of Wildlife.
Prior to the Colorado vote on wolf introduction, Neimiec’s social survey through her role at the Center for Human Carnivore Coexistence was widely used. The findings of the survey used by wolf proponents stated that public attitudes towards wolves and wolf reintroduction are generally positive in the U.S., including Colorado. Online and mail surveys conducted over the last few decades have found consistent support for wolf reintroduction among a majority of Colorado residents on the Eastern Plains, Front Range, and Western Slope, according to the survey. The findings showed that 84 percent of residents would vote for wolf introduction, though the Colorado bill passed with 51 percent of the vote.
“Simply calling the shots as I see them, livestock producers will believe actions speak louder than words,” Fankhauser said. “Those actions involve promoting wolf introduction and anti-meat activism …and now, simultaneously, being a regulator of the livestock industry. Trust will be difficult to earn.”
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Job Description
The BAP director position salary ranges from $87,000 to $148,000, plus benefits. According to the official job posting, which was revised in December, the director will be charged with executing the governor’s vision for improving animal protection across the state. Primary duties include coordination and oversight of approximately 100 commissioned BAP agents (outside the state system), including law enforcement authorities that respond to complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. This includes providing agents training and managing the commissioning process for each agent. The position serves as the leading coordinator on investigations conducted by BAP agents on investigations related to companion animals. The position coordinates with internal staff and law enforcement officers on investigations and enforcement actions related to livestock.
The director also aids and assists local agencies with the seizure of domestic or other privately owned animals and livestock. It is also noted on the posting that “impending legislation may authorize three additional full-time positions for the BAP unit that would be supervised by the BAP program manager.” In the governor’s budget request to the Joint Budget Committee for the fiscal year 2023, he has earmarked $345,058 to fund 2.8 full-time employees to enhance the resources of the Bureau of Animal Protection.
Colorado Ping ( Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the list.)
I hear there’s a bit of SSS going on in our northern counties.
Two-Thirds of Idaho Wolf Carcasses examined have Thousands of Hydatid Disease / Echinococcosis granulosus Tapeworms.
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