Taos Pueblo war chief kills errant cow, incident raises boundary questions

Some ranchers are crying foul in the mountains east of Taos after the Taos Pueblo War Chief shot a cow that wandered off of private land. The cow belonged to Burton Enterprises, Inc., a ranching company based in Springer that grazes cattle on private pastures near Palo Flechado Pass. The land is near both tribal property as well as the Carson National Forest. Since the cow was shot, ranchers who graze in nearby pastures have become more wary of the safety of their herds and concerned about relations with the Pueblo government. Taos Pueblo War Chief Edwin Concha told The Taos News Tuesday (Aug. 16) that he shot a cow that had wandered onto tribal land. Under New Mexico law, killing livestock that is the property of another is a fourth degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a fine of up to $5,000. But tribal sovereignty could provide immunity from prosecution. Ruben Baca, a livestock inspector with the state, said he spoke with officials at the Bureau of Indian Affairs and with the Taos County District Attorney, and he didn't expect charges to be filed. Baca said he is acting primarily to prevent a future incident. The crux of the issue lies in the question of who is responsible for keeping livestock contained in the mountainous area...more