EDITORIAL: Code Of The West Offers Some Answers

By John Severance
Mountain Mail Editor
Editor@ourmountainmail.com

Let’s start by saying that no one out there should be shooting or maiming cows or chasing them with their cars.
Those people should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There is no justification for any kind of animal cruelty.
Socorro County adheres to the open range law. Ranchers are allowed to let their cattle roam and they are free to go wherever they want.
If neighbors do not want cows on their property, they need to build a fence around it to keep the cows out.
The situation in northern Socorro County (Veguita, Rio Grande Estates and Tierra Grande Estates), though, is getting ugly.
And there is no solution in sight.
Residents, though, seem to be taking matters into their own hands in their dealings with cattle and that is not right.
It might be wise for those people to take a look at the Code of the West.
In 2005, the Socorro County Commission adopted a resolution for its version of the code.
Here is a sample.
“The Code of the West was first chronicled by the famous western writer, Zane Grey. The men and women who came to this part of the country during the northward expansion of Spain and Mexico and the westward expansion of the United States were bound by an unwritten code of conduct. The values of integrity and self reliance guided their decisions, actions and interactions. In keeping with that spirit, we offer this information to help the citizens of Socorro County who wish to follow in the footsteps of those rugged individualists by living outside city limits.
“Life in the country is rich and rewarding, treasured by both Socorro County residents who have been here for generations, and those who have recently moved here. It is important for new residents to know that life in the country is different from life in the city. County governments are not able to provide the same level of service that city governments provide.”
Here are some other highlights from the Code of the West.
3.15.- You are responsible for keeping your dog on your own property. New Mexico law allows the shooting of dogs when they kill, injure or chase livestock or wildlife. It is the right of any owner of livestock so killed, injured or bothered by the actions of any dog to kill the dog while it is upon property controlled by the owner of the livestock. Avoid the potential for tragedy and do the neighborly thing at the same time: keep your best friend in his own yard.
5.11- Livestock may cause odors and noise that are objectionable to some people. If you find them annoying, you may want to find a parcel in another area of the county.
5.12- Livestock are occasionally moved on public roads. When you encounter a livestock drive, please pull over to the side of the road and allow the drive to pass. Or, if a rider directs you to move forward, do so slowly. The delay will cost you only a few minutes. Enjoy the scene; this is that “real west,” and is a critical part of your neighbors’ ability to make a living.

Correction
In the Sam Way story on page 3 of last week’s Mountain Mail, Lisa Way emailed the newspaper to say Sam didn't want to "save" me, he wanted me to get saved. Only Jesus saves. Also, when asked what happened with the medical team, he said "Sam Harris gave me my bill."

EDITORIAL: Code Of The West Offers Some Answers