A lawsuit filed this afternoon aims to limit the state’s brand new wolf hunting legislation. But the plaintiffs’ issue isn’t with hunting wolves, but with the use of dogs. “Under the rules as they are now, dogs can be trained and used to hunt wolves in ways, in areas, and at times that place them in jeopardy of dangerous confrontations with wolves, certain to lead to literal fights to the death,” said Anne Reed, executive director of the Wisconsin Humane Society (one of the plaintiffs), in a press release.
On April 2, 2012, the Wisconsin Legislature passed legislation allowing the wolf hunting season and permitting dogs to be used to “track or trail” wolves. The law left the specifics of limiting the use of dogs up to the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resource Board – something they have not done, says WHS. The law as approved could lead to injuries, suffering and death as well as violations of Wisconsin laws prohibiting animal fighting, the plaintiffs contend.
The plaintiffs include Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies, Dane County Humane Society, Wisconsin Humane Society, Fox Valley Humane Association, Northwood Alliance, National Wolfwatcher Coalition, Jayne and Michael Belsky, and Donna Onstott.
The DNR is now accepting applications for the inaugural wolf hunt that is set to begin later this fall. As of last week, the department had received almost 5,000 applications for 201 spots.
Read our previous coverage of the wolf hunting season here.
