Sheriff: charges likely in slaying of 32 bison on Colorado ranch

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The Associated Press
Aspen, CO Colorado
March 24, 2008

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FAIRPLAY, Colo. — Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener says the more than 30 bison slaughtered last week were the result of a civil dispute between two neighboring ranchers.

Wegener says he "probably" will recommend charges in the case and that the Park County district attorney's office will begin handling the matter this week.

Sheriff's deputies found the carcasses of 32 bison Thursday after a 911 caller reported they were being shot. About a dozen hunters claimed they had permission to shoot the animals.

Wegener said the bison belonged to Monte Downare. The sheriff says the animals wandered off Downare's property and onto another ranch and federal land.