ALLOW DOG OWNERS TO CAPTURE OR KILL

GRAY WOLVES ATTACKING THEIR DOGS

House Bill 6021

Sponsor:  Rep. Gary McDowell

Committee:  Agriculture

Complete to 6-23-08

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5686 AS INTRODUCED 4-24-08

The bill would create a new act permitting owners of dogs, including owners of domesticated and hunting dogs, to capture or kill a gray wolf preying on their dogs. 

Specifically, a dog owner (or the owner's designated agent) could remove, capture, or, if deemed necessary, use lethal means to destroy a gray wolf "that is in the act of killing, wounding, or biting the owner's dog."  The bill would authorize the Department of Natural Resources to promulgate implementing rules.

Reporting and holding requirements.  The owner or agent would have to both: 

·                    Report the taking of a gray wolf to a conservation officer as soon as practicable within 24 hours.  (The DNR's "Report All Poaching Hotline" (1-800-292-7800) could be used to report the taking of a gray wolf.) 

·                    Hold the wolf until a conservation officer could take possession of it and transfer it for examination by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) personnel.

Penalty.  A violation of either of these requirements would constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $500. 

FISCAL IMPACT:

            A fiscal analysis is in process.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William E. Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.