Stopping the Pain: Support for Initiative 13 in Colorado

June 14, 2025, AD

Dr. Chuck Duray, EdD, Lt. Colonel (USA - Retired)

Introduction

In Colorado, many families can no longer afford to keep dogs. Consequently, the Denver pound is overwhelmed, with the drop-off rate more than double what it was in 2019. Simultaneously, the practice of rewilding through the seizure, importation, and rural dumping of gray wolves has led to tragic consequences. Out of the 25 wolves originally imported, 8 have died, resulting in a devastating death toll of 32% (Butzer, 2025; Metzger, 2025).

This unethical practice needs to stop immediately. It not only violates ethical standards but also contradicts the state’s wildlife trafficking law. In response to this crisis, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) claims, “wolf survival is often lower for dispersing, non-territorial wolves.” This statement echoes the infamous dumpster fire meme, “this is fine” (Schmitt, 2025). Now is the time for Coloradans to take action. We need to apply first aid to this man-made disaster and put an end to the suffering, including the losses ranchers are facing due to wolf-related issues such as depredations and stress-driven pregnancy losses. Every Coloradan should support Initiative 13 to end wolf importation. Only then can we hope to replace harmful experimentation with sound wildlife management.

CPW Has Lost the Public’s Trust

Initiative 13 has the power to end the dumping of wild canines that conflict with humans far from their native habitats, primarily in British Columbia. The bureaucratic dream of “rewilding” Colorado ignores a simple reality: wolves already exist in the state. We are not in need of misguided progressives influenced by cartoons creating artificial ecosystems among over 6 million residents in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Moreover, Initiative 13 prevents the Division of Natural Resources (DNR) from continually shifting the target in their wolf experiment. History shows that government agencies seldom scale back on their own unless compelled by laws or through forceful public sentiment.

This initiative serves as a corrective measure against CPW's environmental transgressions. Recently, livestock was decimated at three Pitkin County ranches. This massacre can be traced directly back to CPW's poor management. Their wolf management guidelines specifically state not to re-release chronically depredating wolves, warning that doing so would merely "translocate the problem along with the wolves" (Brasch, 2025). Tragically, CPW went against its own science-backed promise, leading to significant losses.

Can Coloradans trust the DNR and CPW? The clear answer is no. These agencies see wolf reintroduction as a perpetual experiment funded by taxpayers, not a public endeavor fueled by community trust. This is why we urgently need Initiative 13.

Taxpayers are the Primary Stakeholders

A major contributor to this situation is not only wealthy environmentalists impacting CPW's flawed plan but also association leaders claiming to represent agricultural interests. These leaders can sometimes appear ignorant of the realities facing everyday Coloradans. Some claim that halting wolf importation via Ballot Initiative 13 would be a “risk to landowners” (Harrington & Swartout, 2025). This perspective is out of touch with the struggles citizens face daily.

Taxpayers bear the brunt of financial consequences. They are responsible for funding compensation packages that are either too high for any one individual or too low to cover agricultural losses. Even with a fraction of CPW’s target wolf population, claims for damages have surpassed budget projections by 153% (Goodland, 2025).

To put this into perspective, no government initiative has been as disastrous as the Cash for Clunkers program, which removed 700,000 used vehicles and caused car prices to plummet from $22,635 to $49,292 (usdebtclock, n.d.). If we allow this cycle of compensation to continue, we worsen the division between local beef producers and Colorado taxpayers. These taxpayers are pressured into paying for both wolf-related compensation and cows on their plates at excessively high prices.

The troubling aspect is that Proposition 114 narrowly passed, primarily driven by younger urban voters. This situation has exposed a fundamental disconnect: beef industry leaders and lobbyists do not know how to engage with Millennials and Generation Z Coloradans.

The Importance of Risk

Finally, the argument regarding “risk to landowners” fails to capture the spirit of what it means to be an American. The Founding Fathers took tremendous risks for the sake of future generations. Many even lost everything they owned to secure the freedoms citizens enjoy today. Their commitment to independence and resilience is a hallmark of American character. Risks are what allow us to pursue happiness, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence (1776).

While mistakes have been made in managing Colorado’s wolf situation, these consequences extend beyond mere managerial oversight. They reflect a troubling ideological mindset that prioritizes appeasement over effective solutions. For too long, residents of Colorado have suffered from ineffective governance.

It is imperative now to take a stand against further wolf importation. We encourage you to not only take action as a responsible citizen but also to sign and support Ballot Initiative 13, which aims to restore balance to Colorado.

Dr. Duray serves as a Colorado Advocate for Smart Wolf Policy, a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting responsible wildlife management, protecting local economies, and preserving Colorado’s Western heritage. To learn more and join the cause, contact Patrick Davis at 202-251-4439, or *pdccos@gmail.com. Sign up at https://www.smartwolfpolicyco.com/

References

Brasch, S. (2025). Ranchers want a ‘notorious’ wolf pack killed after a series of alleged livestock attacks near Aspen. Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved on June 5, 2025, from https://www.cpr.org/2025/05/28/ranchers-wolf-pack-alleged-livestock-aspen-attacks/ 

Butzer, S. (2025). Another wolf reintroduced to Colorado dies, marking the sixth death of 2025. Denver7. Retrieved on June 4, 2025, from https://www.denver7.com/news/environment/another-wolf-reintroduced-to-colorado-dies-marking-sixth-death-of-2025 

Goodland, M. (2025). Colorado ranchers claim nearly $650k in wolf attacks, but CPW data shows discrepancies. Colorado Politics. Retrieved on June 6, 2025, from https://www.coloradopolitics.com/agriculture/colorado-wolf-compensation-fund-claims/article_2113c8e1-c9c1-42f8-b6ac-50c4a729c8eb.html 

Harrington, T., & Swartout, J. (2025). Remarks made to ranchers, local leaders, journalists, and agricultural association members against Ballot Initiative 13 as reported by media, independent citizens, and conference attendees.

Metzger, H. (2025, May 27). Denver dog owners are sending their pets to the pound in record numbers. Westword. Retrieved on June 6, 2025, from https://www.westword.com/news/denver-dog-owners-giving-up-pets-in-record-numbers-24596635

Schmitt, K. (2025, June 3). The sixth Colorado wolf has died, the recent one in the northwest part of the state. GOHUNT. Retrieved on June 5, 2025, from https://www.gohunt.com/browse/news-and-updates/hunting-news/the-sixth-colorado-wolf-has-died-this-recent-one-in-northwest-colorado

Sorenson, J. (n.d.). Helping Hand. Retrieved on June 9, 2025 from 'Helping Hand' Art Print - Jack Sorenson | Art.com

USdebtclock.org. (n.d.). Retrieved on January 21, 2025, from https://www.usdebtclock.org/

United States National Archives and Records Administration. (2020, July 24). Declaration of Independence: A transcription. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript