Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Bozeman, MT - Joe Strusz is currently serving 30 days in the Gallatin County Detention Center, and has been given a $600 fine, for peacefully protesting at the Horse Butte Bison Capture Facility. He locked himself to the trap on April 2, 2002, in order to deter the Department of Livestock from capturing and killing Yellowstone's Wild Buffalo.

Strusz reasoned that "because so many letters and petitions are consistently ignored by the state and federal government, I felt my action was necessary to bring attention and an end to the unjustified slaughter."

This winter and spring 202 buffalo were slaughtered indiscriminately by Montana and the federal government. One hundred thirty-five of the slaughtered bison were never tested for the disease brucellosis, the supposed reason for the slaughter.

Brucellosis transmission from bison to cattle has never been documented in the wild, yet the DOL stubbornly insists on killing bison that leave the park.

The bison, and other Yellowstone wildlife, are merely following their instincts by migrating to lower elevations for winter and spring forage. When they leave the park they enter the Gallatin National Forest in Montana, where the majority of the killing takes place.

Strusz was sentenced by Honorable Judge Smith. Immediately before Joe's sentencing Judge Smith gave much milder sentences to two men who had been convicted of more violent crimes.

One man, charged with a D.U.I. and violently obstructing a peace officer, was sentenced to five days in jail, five days in a work program, and given approximately $300 in fines and court fees.

Another man, found guilty of partner or family member assault, was given a two day sentence, a week in anger management, and approximately $200 in fines and court fees.

During Strusz' deliberation the District Attorney stated to Judge Smith, "this is one of those Buffalo Field Campaign people." The judge acknowledged this fact as he delivered Joe's thirty-day sentence.