Wild Animal Damage Targeted By Proposal

Rep. John Campbell introduced legislation Tuesday that would allow more people to qualify for payments for damage to livestock and crops done by wild animals, including game.

“People in my district are constantly losing animals and crops,” said Campbell, R-Sandpoint. “Over a four year period, they’re losing $80,000. Something needs to be done.”

The proposal calls for the minimum claim to be lowered from $1,000 to $500, which Campbell said would allow more of the claims from his area to be considered. The change could result in more than 100 extra claims, so the House Resources and Conservation Committee had some concerns about funding.

The committee agreed unanimously to review the bill, and will schedule a hearing.