SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5613
As of January 17, 2022
Title: An act relating to the use of dogs to hunt black bear, cougar, or bobcat.
Brief Description: Concerning the use of dogs to hunt black bear, cougar, or bobcat.
Sponsors: Senators Van De Wege, Rolfes, Conway, Hasegawa, Liias, Lovelett, Pedersen and Stanford.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 1/18/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Removes the exemption allowing an employee or agents of a county to hunt black bear, cougar, or bobcat with the aid of a dog. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7428)
Background:

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) may generally authorize the removal or killing of wildlife that is destroying or injuring property, or when necessary for wildlife management or research.  The passage of Initiative Measure No. 655 in 1996 prohibited, with certain exemptions, the hunting of black bears, cougars, bobcats, or lynx with the use of dogs.  One of the exemptions allows for employees or agents of a county, state, or federal agency, while acting in their official capacity, to hunt black bears, cougars, or bobcats with the use of dogs in order to protect livestock, domestic animals, private property, or the public safety.  Other exemptions allow for the pursuit, relocation, or capture for scientific purposes, or the hunting of black bears, cougars, or bobcats in order to protect endangered species.
Summary of Bill:

The exemption authorizing an employee or agent of a county to hunt black bear, cougar, or bobcat with the aid of a dog for the purpose of protecting livestock, domestic animals, private property, or the public safety is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.