Title: An act relating to destruction of dogs harassing big game.

Brief Description: Concerning the harassment of big game animals by dogs.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/3/05, 2/7/05 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Doumit, Vice Chair; Oke, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove, Morton, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: There is an increasing problem with domestic and wild dogs attacking big game animals. There have been attacks on moose and caribou but enforcement is limited since the statute lists only deer and elk.

Summary of Bill: The Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife may draft emergency rules and may authorize enforcement action when dogs harass, attack, pursue, or kill any big game animal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: Wild and domestic dogs have harassed cariboo and big horn sheep, and the Director of Fish and Wildlife needs authority to draft emergency rules to allow enforcement to stop this problem. The present statute is too limited and applies to deer and elk only.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Ed Owens, Hunters Heritage Council; Bruce Bjork, Department of Fish and Wildlife.